Herbal Supplements to Lower Cholesterol

High cholesterol and its connection to heart disease is well documented. Prescription statin medications are the most common treatment used to lower cholesterol. However, herbal supplements such as red rice yeast and artichoke leaf extract are gaining popularity as natural alternatives to decrease cholesterol levels.

Red Rice Yeast

• Natural health advocate Dr. Andrew Weil recommends red rice yeast as the top natural supplement in lowering cholesterol. In an article published on high cholesterol on drweil.com, Weil says "Red rice yeast (Monascus purpureus) has a long history of use in China as a natural food coloring and healthful ingredient. It is a source of naturally occurring statins, and because it delivers a mix of those compounds rather than a single molecule, it is much less likely to cause the side effects that sometimes occur with the pharmaceutical versions."

COQ10

• Coenzyme Q is an oil-soluble chemical found in cells and an antioxidant used to promote a healthy heart. Involved in energy production and increasing the strength of heart muscle, COQ10 is recommended by Dr. Weil to be used in conjunction with red rice yeast to aid in synthesis of this vitamin and to replace the strength thought to be lost by taking statin-producing substances.

Artichoke Leaf Extract

• A research study conducted by Dr. Rafe Bundy at the University of Reading showed evidence that individuals with moderately high levels of cholesterol benefited from taking artichoke leaf extract. Used in Europe for gastrointestinal disorders, artichoke leaf extract is seen as a viable herbal remedy for lowering cholesterol by some health practitioners.

Guggul

• Guggul is an herb from the mukul myrrh tree and has been shown to decrease cholesterol levels 10 to 27 percent when taken in the form of guggulsterone, the active ingredient in guggul extract. Researchers at The Jackson Laboratory determined in a 2004 study on artherosclerosis (the thickening of artery walls that occurs with cholesterol build-up) that guggulsterone inhibited build-up of fat in the arteries and was effective in lowering cholesterol levels.

Cautions

• Consult your doctor before taking any herbal supplement in conjunction with, or in place of, currently prescribed statins or other prescriptions medications.