Abstract:
PURPOSE: A pharmaceutical composition containing hematein which is obtainable by extraction of Heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan or commercially as an active ingredient is provided. Because the hematein exhibits LDL-antioxidant activity, remarkably reduces cholesterol in blood and strongly inhibits liver microsome ACAT activity, the composition can be effectively used in prevention and therapeutic treatment of atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia. CONSTITUTION: The composition for preventing and treating atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia in mammals contains an effective amount of hematein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier as an active component. The hematein inhibits the activity of acyl-CoA : cholesterol acyltransferase or acts as LDL-antioxidant to give an effect on preventing and treating hyperlipidemia.
Abstract:
PURPOSE: A haematin substance has characteristically an LDL(low density lipoprotein)-antioxidation, reduces the concentration of cholesterol in blood, and inhibits the activity of liver microsome ACAT(acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyl-transferase). Thereby, the pharmaceutical composition containing the haematin has an excellent effect for treating or protecting specific diseases such as hyperlipidemia or arteriosclerosis. CONSTITUTION: The haematin used is conventionally derivable from Heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan, or is available industrially. The pharmaceutical composition is used to treat or protect hyperlipidemia or arteriosclerosis by using usual haematin in drug, beverage or food.