Scientific Research on Maharishi Ayurveda

antioxidant research > antioxidant study 20

Antioxidant Study #20

Title
Anti-Oxidant and Antiplatelet Properties of Maharishi Amrit Kalash [MAK-4] in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits

Publication
Ninth International Symposium on Atherosclerosis, Rosemont, IL, October 6-11, 1991, p. 188 (Abstract).

Authors
Rao V. Panganamala, Ph.D. and Hari M. Sharma, M.D., FRCP(C).

Conducted at
The Ohio State University, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA

Summary
Platelet aggregation and oxidized lipids are considered important mediators of vascular injury leading to atherosclerosis. M-4, an herbal food supplement (MAPI Inc., Lancaster, MA) has been shown to be effective in preventing generation of reactive oxygen species in-vitro (IJCP 1:23-27, 1991). The experiments were carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of M-4 in preventing platelet aggregation and oxidation of lipids in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Two groups of six rabbits (pair matched) were given a 1% cholesterol diet. The experimental group in addition was given 0.4% M-4 in the diet. At the end of the experiment (7 weeks) total cholesterol, plasma and hepatic TBARS and platelet aggregation induced by ADP & collagen were compared between the two groups.

Results show that M-4 supplementation reduces plasma and hepatic lipid peroxidation and platelet aggregation induced by collagen and ADP in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.