The Effects of Tinospora crispa Aqueous Extract on C-Reactive Protein Level and Development of Atherosclerotic Plaques

Tinospora crispa or known as Patawali was reported to have anti- atherosclerotic effects and has great potential to be used in traditional medicinal, food supplement and pharmaceutical preparations. However, until to date there is insufficient literature documenting the effects of this plant on Creactive protein as an inflammatory marker and its anti-atherosclerotic effects in the event of hypercholesterolemia. Therefore, this study was aimed to examine this possibility by measuring the level of C-reactive protein continuing with a histological analysis of the aorta of hypercholesterolemic rabbits to further understand the possible mechanism contributing to the anti-atherosclerotic effects of tinospora crispa aqueous extract (TCAE). Results revealed that TCAE was found to inhibit the progression of atherosclerotic plaque development induced by dietary cholesterol. The antiatherosclerosis potential of TCAE was demonstrated by its ability in reducing the CRP levels, coverage area of atherosclerotic plaque and thickness of foam cells in the atherosclerotic lesions and preserves endothelial healing following arterial injury. Supplementation of 450 mg/kg of T. crispa extract was found to be the optimal concentration to be utilised towards the formulation of product for preventing hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis and reducing risk factors for coronary artery disease in the future.

Keywords: Tinospora crispa; Hypercholesterolemic rabbits; C-reactive protein; Athersoclerosis