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Session 2: Clinical studies and clinical application of traditional & indigenous medicine

Antihyperlipidemia effect of Benjakul remedy extract in addition

to simvastatin in dyslipidemia subjects: A preliminary analysis

,
Ruchirat Kaewkumpai*, Thipaporn Tharavanij**, Arunporn Itharat*******
*MSc Student of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine
**Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicines, Faculty of Medicine
***Department of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine
****Center of Excellence in Applied Thai Traditional Medicine Research, Thammasat University,
Pathumtani 12120, Thailand.
Corresponding author: jaew_040@hotmail.com

Background and rationale: Benjakul remedy is a Thai Traditional medicine listed in
Thailand National List of Essential Medicine. It is composed of five plants; Piper chaba fruit,
Piper sarmentosum root, Piper interruptum stem, Plumbago indica root and Zingiber officinale
rhizome. Benjakul remedy extract can significantly decrease low density lipoprotein (LDL) in
an animal study.
Objective: This pilot study objective was to investigate the lipid lowering efficacy and
safety of ethanolic extract of Benjakul remedy, in addition to simvastatin treatment in dyslipidemia
subjects.
Method: Twelve participants (3 males and 9 females) with the mean age of 61.16±5.98
2
years old (range 51›70) and the mean BMI of 26.75±2.67 kg/m (range 21.68›32.52), had
received 100 mg of the Benjakul extract capsule twice a day after meals for 3 months in
addition to their current simvastatin treatment. All of them modified their life style during one
month run-in period until the study completion. Simvastatin was continued without dosage
th
th
adjustment throughout the study period. Laboratory data were obtained at 30 , 60 and 90 th
days.
Results: Benjakul remedy extract significantly decreased total cholesterol level at 90 th
day (232±35.52 vs. 200±23.27 mg/dl, p=0.005 for pre and post-treatment, respectively). The
th
significant decrease of LDL was demonstrated at 90 day (154±31.32 vs. 119±20.61, p=0.006
for pre and post-treatment, respectively). The triglyceride and high density lipoprotein (HDL)
were not different between pre and post-treatment. There was no reported side effect.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Benjakul remedy extract in dyslipidemia subjects provided
additional benefits of cholesterol and LDL lowering effect to simvastatin treatment with
demonstrable short-term safety.
Key words: Benjakul remedy extract, dyslipidemia