In vivo anti-hyperlipidemic activity of the triterpene

Metabolism is a process which a body uses to obtain energy from food. Food comprised of nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates and fats. The excess energy is stored in tissues such as liver, muscles and adipose. Metabolic disorders develop when some organs such as liver and pancreas function abnormally. Metabolic disorders include diabetes, obesity, cystic fibrosis, hyperlipidemia and others. Hyperlipidemia is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by abnormal high levels of blood lipids. Hyperlipidemia is one of the major causes of death world-wide. Lipids are heterogeneous group of water-insoluble organic molecules found in both animals and plant tissues. Lipids from food are digested and absorbed into the blood stream with the help of a bile acid and pancreatic lipase in the small intestines. Endogenous lipids are transported by various lipoproteins to hepatic and extrahepatic tissues. When these lipids accumulate in the blood they lead to a condition called hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemia can itself be a risk to many cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, atherosclerosis and heart failure.