Polyherbal Formulation Approaches for Managing Hypercholesterolemia: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda

Background: Hypercholesterolemia is a commonly inherited metabolic condition that can result in ischemic heart disease. Due to the undesirable side effects associated with commercially accessible statin drugs, herbal plants are emerging as a preferable alternative for managing and controlling hypercholesterolemia. Substantially, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda formulations have been reported to play a primary part in the hypercholesterolemia therapy. The inhibition of HMG-CoA Reductase (HMGCR) is significant since it is the key enzyme for cholesterol production, which is crucial for reducing plasma cholesterol levels. Objective: The present review aimed to explore in-depth TCM and Ayurveda polyherbal formulations, along with their pharmacological activities, especially on the serum lipid biomarkers, including low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoproteins, and their potential suppression against HMGCR activity. The review highlights the potential usage of polyherbal formulations for the management of hypercholesterolemia that could potentially be effective with minimal side effects. Conclusion: TCM and Ayurveda are poly pharmacology systems that have been proven to exhibit better effects than single-targeted compounds in hypercholesterolemia. Polyherbal formulation involves interaction of multi-components that possess synergistic effects and able to replace the synthetic anti-hypercholesterolemia agents associated with side effects. It is the need of the hour to evaluate the integration of both TCM and Ayurveda polyherbal formulations as a strategy to maximize their potential and efficacy in hypercholesterolemia treatment since TCM and Ayurveda have been proven to be effective in combating hypercholesterolemia.