King's gift in nativity story could be answer to combating cholesterol

Lab experiments in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, have found that the resin of certain trees in the Middle East - the 'myrrh' of the Christmas story - may possess cholesterol-lowering properties.

The research had been published in the International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health, and discusses the hypocholesterolemic effects of plant products, including myrrh. Extracted from the Commiphora and Balsamodendron tree, natives of the Middle East and Ethiopia, myrrh is a rust-coloured resin most famous for its presence as one of the three gifts given to the baby Jesus in the nativity story. Used for purposes including incense and embalming, myrrh is already known to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, but now researchers at King Abd Al-Aziz University in Jeddah have explored the effects of herbal remedies, including myrrh, in more practical medicinal roles.

Research leader Nadia Saleh Al-Amoudi tested both concentrated and blended samples of various plants, including fenugreek seed powder, halfa and esparto grass leaves, on rodents administered with high cholesterol. The researchers recorded that the total concentration of blood cholesterol in the rodents fell when the herbal remedies were consumed on a daily basis.

The discovery opens new doors for research into fighting high cholesterol, a health problem that is closely linked with the rise in obesity. "Of all nutrients, fat is implicated most often as a contributing factor to disease," explains Al-Amoudi.

For further information on the research, contact Nadia Saleh Al-Amoudi at dr.ns222@hotmail.com

Published: Monday, 14th December 2009 by Tom Freeman

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