EFEKTIVITAS DAUN SIRSAK (Annona muricata L.) SEBAGAI PENURUN KADAR KOLESTEROL

Abstract

Cholesterol is a natural substance with physical properties in the form of fat but has a steroid formula. Cholesterol is an essential building material for the body to synthesize important substances such as cell membranes and insulating materials around nerve fibers, as well as sex hormones, kidney, vitamin D, and bile acids. Increased levels of cholesterol in the blood is the main cause of atherosclerosis, namely the process of calcification and hardening of the arteries. One of the plants that is efficacious for lowering cholesterol levels is the soursop plant (Annona muricata L.). Soursop plants, especially the leaves, can be used as a herbal medicine which has many properties, among others, as a lowering of uric acid and cholesterol. The compounds contained in soursop leaves (Annona muricata L.) include steroids/terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, and tannins. The purpose of this article review is to determine the potential of soursop leaves in lowering cholesterol levels. The method used in making this article review is literature study by accessing national and international journals. The conclusion obtained based on the results of the analysis of several articles, namely soursop leaves have effective properties in lowering cholesterol levels.