An effective treatment of hypercholesterolaemia using a combination of Secholex and clofibrate

Combined effects of clofibrate and diosgenin on cholesterol metabolism in rats

Groups of male rats were fed various doses of clofibrate and diosgenin, both alone and in combination for 1 week. Clofibrate suppressed the diosgenin-induced increase in hepatic cholesterol synthesis but did not alter the effectiveness of diosgenin in reducing cholesterol absorption. Diosgenin did not affect the bioavailability of CPIB. Clofibrate reduced the diosgenin induced increase in biliary levels of cholesterol; none of the regimens altered biliary bile acids. The combination produced greater decreases in LDL cholesterol than did either compound alone; the diosgenin-induced elevation in HDL cholesterol was partially reversed by clofibrate. The data provide a basis for the combined use of clofibrate and diosgenin in the control of hyperlipoproteinemia.

[Drug treatment of primary hyperlipoproteinemia (author's transl)]

Cardiovascular disease has become the major cause of death in the Western countries. There is strong evidence that elevations of serum lipids contribute to the pathogenesis of premature atherosclerosis. The classification of the hyperlipoproteinemias has been most beneficial as a guide to development of dietary and pharmacological regimens for lowering serum lipid concentrations. The results of dietary and drug prevention trials are discussed. Insight into the mechanisms involved in lipoprotein metabolism as well as the mode of action and of side-effects of hypolipidemic drugs is reviewed. Using present knowledge of heart disease research, it is reasonable to suggest dietary and drug treatments for the high risk patient.