Journal of Environmental Biology

The cholesterol lowering property of coriander seeds

(Coriandrum sativum): Mechanism of action

P. Dhanapakiam¹, J. Mini Joseph², V.K. Ramaswamy*³, M. Moorthi³ and A. Senthil Kumar³

¹P.G. and Research, Department of Zoology, J.K.K. Nataraja College of Arts and Science, Komarapalayam - 638 183, India

²Department of Zoology, Hindu College, Bangalore - 650 049, India

³P.G. and Research, Department of Zoology, Sri Vasavi College, Erode - 638 316, India

(Received: February 25, 2006 ; Revised received: June15, 2006 ; Accepted: August 29, 2006)

Abstract: Coriandrum sativum (Coriander) has been documented as a traditional treatment for cholesterol and  diabetes patients. In the present study, coriander seeds incorporated into diet and the effect of the administration of coriander seeds on the metabolism of lipids was studied in rats, fed with high fat diet and added cholesterol. The seeds had a significant hypolipidemic action. In the experimental group of rats (tissue) the level of total cholesterol and triglycerides increased significantly. There was significant increase in b-hydroxy, b-methyl glutaryl CoA reductase and plasma lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase activity were noted in the experimental group. The level of low density lipoprotein (LDL) + very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol decreased while that of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased in the experimental group compared to the control group. The increased activity of plasma LCAT, enhanced degradation of cholesterol to fecal bile acids and neutral sterols appeared to account for its hypocholesterolemic effect.

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