本文综述了国内外有关荜茇及其有效成分的降脂、抗动脉粥样硬化方面的研究进展，并结合本课题组的研究结果，认为荜茇及其有效成分胡椒碱、荜茇宁等具有显著的降血脂作用，特别是荜茇宁不仅降脂、抗动脉粥样硬化作用显著，而且毒性极低，是极具开发前景的降脂化合物。荜茇宁的作用机制可能是通过提高高脂血症大鼠肝脏LDLR 基因表达，降低ApoB 基因表达而起到降脂作用；通过调节脂代谢紊乱、增强抗氧化酶类活性、减轻脂质过氧化物对血管内皮的损伤、降低主动脉LOX-1 和VCAM-1 基因表达起到抗动脉粥样硬化作用。

Based on the literature search both in China and abroad, this article reviewed the research situation on blood lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerosis function of Piper longum and its effective ingredients. The study results showed that Piper longum and its effective ingredients, such as piperine and piperlonguminine, have obvious blood lipid-lowering function. And piperlonguminine, is especially effective in lowering blood lipid and anti-atherosclerosis with very low toxin. Piper longum is a promising material for the future blood lipid-lowering compound development. This review also provided references for the further research and development in this aspect.

国家自然科学基金资助项目（30160103）：降血脂蒙药有效成分的分析，负责人：博日吉汗格日勒图。