Curcuma xanthorrhiza roxb( Temulawak )

Temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb) is known as one of the Indonesian indigenous herbals, which mostly used as traditional medicine.
The efficacy of curcuma (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) in lowering blood plasma lipid was evaluated in rabbits. Forty male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four equal groups and offered isoatherogenic diets with no curcuma, low curcuma , medium curcuma and high curcuma for 120 days. Faeces and feed samples were collected. Body weight was measured weekly. Blood samples at 1, 2 and 4 months and liver samples at the last blood collection were taken. Curcuma did not influence feed, protein and fat consumption and protein excretion but significantly increased fat excretion. Cholesterol concentration was decreased by 46.6, 56.4 and 63.2% and HDL concentration was decreased by 9.9, 14.5 and 21.9% at 2, 3 and 4 g kg-1 curcuma respectively. Curcuma significantly decreased LDL concentration and significantly decreased triglyceride concentration by 20.4, 28.5 and 29.5% at 2, 3 and 4 g kg-1 respectively. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor was significantly increased by curcuma. Glucose was significantly reduced by 6.2, 7.6 and 18.0% at 2, 3 and 4 g kg-1 curcuma respectively. Lipid peroxidation was prevented at 3 and 4 g kg-1 curcuma. The enhanced fat excretion could have been mediated through an acceleration of lipid metabolism from extrahepatic tissues to the liver, which would increase the excretion of cholesterol via the bile and into the faeces. Since this is central to lipid metabolism, curcuma has potential as a phytotherapeutic agent under atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease conditions.