PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND ANTI-ATHEROSCLEROTIC ACTIVITIES OF A POLYHERBAL FORMULATION –GSTC

GSTC is a polyherbal formulation comprising Commiphora mukul, Salacia reticulata, Terminalia arjuna, and Curcuma longa, developed to address atherosclerosis through multi-targeted mechanisms. Its phytochemical constituents include guggulsterones, mangiferin, arjunolic acid, and curcuminoids, each offering diverse pharmacological actions. Guggulsterones from C. mukul are recognized for their hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects, while mangiferin and salacinol from S. reticulata provide antidiabetic, anti-obesity, and cholesterol-lowering benefits. T. arjuna contributes arjunolic acid and phytosterols, known for cardioprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcuminoids and ar-turmerone from C. longa exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic actions. Pharmacological studies demonstrate GSTC’s efficacy in reducing cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL levels while elevating HDL in high-fat diet models. Its mechanisms include inhibition of lipid peroxidation, regulation of HMG-CoA reductase, and modulation of inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB and COX-2. The formulation also prevents fatty liver accumulation and enhances lipid metabolism, GSTC exhibits significant antioxidant activity and platelet peroxidation inhibition. GSTC’s unique composition and pharmacological profile suggest its potential as a safe and effective therapeutic agent for managing atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular conditions.