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What Herbs Can One Take to Lower Triglycerides?

Though countless drugs exist to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, many people swear by natural, herbal remedies. Scientists have actually found some evidence for the benefits attributed to certain triglyceride-lowering herbs.

  1. Cinnamon and Cloves

    • While Cinnabons will never be a health food, certain studies have linked cinnamon and cloves to lower triglyceride levels, according to Medical News Todau. In a 2006 study by Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center's Dr. Richard Anderson, subjects who consumed approximately a teaspoon of cinnamon a day showed 10 to 30 percent lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels. These effects appear to stem from cinnamon's anti-inflammatory properties. Insulin regulations also showed improvement.

      Soon after, Peshawar's Agricultural University's Dr. Alam Khan found that cloves lowered triglyceride levels from 235 to 203 milligrams per deciliter in type 2 diabetes patients, over a period of 30 days. Serum glucose and serum cholesterol levels also decreased.

    Red Yeast Rice

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, red yeast rice, which is commonly sold as a natural cholesterol regulator and is identical in function to lovastatin, the power behind Mevacor, a cholesterol drug. Red yeast rice decreases triglycerides because of its monacolin content. Monacolins are compounds that block cholesterol synthesis.

    Gugulipids

    • The resin of the mukul myrrh tree produces gugulipid, a medicinal herb that some studies have shown to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. According to the website All-About-Lowering-Cholesterol, Baylor College and the University of Texas discovered in 2003 that gugulipid blocks a receptor in the liver that can hinder proper cholesterol regulation. Gugulipid, a natural blood-thinner, also prevents atherosclerosis, the hardening of arteries.

    Warnings

    • One should exercise extreme caution with herbal supplements. Being natural does not make them safe. Gugulipid, for example, interferes with certain medications, according to WebMD, while cinnamon can be toxic in large doses. Meanwhile, the FDA cannot regulate natural supplements, which leaves consumers open to impure or even harmful substances.

    Tips

    • While herbal remedies and even pharmaceutical drugs can regulate or lower cholesterol, prevention is always the best cure. Experts recommend regular exercise and proper diet before any treatment.

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