Effect of panchakavvyam, an indigenous drug on the lipid levels and related enzymes in fibrosarcoma - bearing rats.

In Yajur Vedhika, "Panchakavvyam", an indigenous preparation, is referred to have anticarcinogenic property. In firbosarcoma, Panchakavvyam has been tried, which on feeding promotes longevity of rats. The advantageous effect of the drug is substantial, so we tried to study the lipid changes in serum of both control and experimental animals. A significance increase in free cholesterol and phospholipids (p<0.001); total cholesterol and free fatty acids; a significant decrease in (p<0.001) ester cholesterol; and triglycerides. Among the enzymes, a significant increase in cholesterol ester hydrolase are observed. On panchakavvyam administration to the humour-bearing rats, a significant increase in ester cholesterol and triglycerides; and a gradual decrease in total cholesterol, free cholesterol, phospholipids and free fatty acids; and a significant decrease in cholesterol ester synthetase and an increase in the level of cholesterol ester.