Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of Chalcones in the treatment of Hyperlipidemia

Short Communication

Abstract

Chalcones have been used in the traditional system of medicine from antiquity.  These are the polyphenolic flavonoid bioactive constituents known to possess tremendous therapeutic potential in the amelioration of various ailments such as Cancer, Diabetes owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These were found to be useful in the treatment of Cardiovascular, Haematological and Obesity disorders. Chalcones and their semi-synthetic derivatives received potential attention in this lieu.  Metabolic disorders due to the present sedentary lifestyle in practice are the leading cause of mortality and stands as a greatest health challenge globally in this 21^st century.  The major etiologies of the metabolic disorders include resistance to insulin leading to Diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia and hypertension ultimately leading to the cardiovascular disturbances. Hyperlipidemia or Atherosclerosis is a disorder in which level of fat or cholesterol level is enhanced and obstructs the blood vessels leading to heart failure and stroke. The bioactive constituent is associated with decreasing total cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids. These Phytochemicals are known to mediate the biological response either by interfering with any one of the following mechanisms viz. Triglycerides  synthesis, Transfer and  Metabolism of fat such as CETP inhibition, TG inhibition, ACAT inhibition, LPL activators, etc. High levels of cholesterol in blood subsequently gives rise to coronary heart disorders viz. Angina Pectoris, Myocardial Infarction, etc