Cholesterol Lowering Herb

As of September 2009, the American Heart Organization estimates that 106 million Americans have cholesterol levels above 200, placing them in the borderline high and high cholesterol categories and add increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Many people are interested in natural alternatives to help lower and manage their high cholesterol, but studies haven't consistently shown that herbs are an effective means to lower cholesterol. Not yet, anyway.

The Claims

• Across cultures and geographies, a variety of herbs have been assigned the ability to lower cholesterol. However, controlled studies of the effects herbs have on high cholesterol have only begun to receive funding, and the results are mixed.

The Studies

• Few natural products have been proven to help reduce cholesterol. Medical organizations such as the Mayo Clinic and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health have examined studies of herbs with claims to lower cholesterol. In most cases, they have found limited evidence that herbs can reduce cholesterol levels; however, studies of herbs continue and gain credibility through the application of rigorous scientific method. Some of the herbs with most promise for helping people with high cholesterol are highlighted below. In all cases, consult with your physician before adding herbal supplements to your diet to ensure interactions with your existing treatment plans are understood.

  Flaxseed
  Both the Mayo Clinic and the NCCAM report that studies of the effect of flaxseed and flaxseed oil have not been well designed. Results from those studies are mixed; some demonstrate that flaxseed does have an ability to lower the levels of total cholesterol and 'bad cholesterol', while other studies show no effect. The NCCAM is currently funding additional studies into flaxseed.

  Red Yeast Rice
  The NCCAM reports that a 2009 study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson University demonstrated that red yeast rice "significantly decreased blood levels of LDL and total cholesterol over a 24-week period" in those participants who took three 600-mg capsules twice daily, compared to those who took placebos in the same proportion. While the study was limited to patients who are unable to take statin drugs and further research into the safety and long-term effectiveness of red yeast rice is needed, results from this study look promising.

  Artichoke Leaf Extract (ALE)
  A 2008 study by researchers at the University of Reading in England (reference 3) demonstrated that ALE can lower cholesterol in otherwise healthy adults. Study participants 1280 mg of ALE or a placebo for 12 weeks. Participants receiving the over-the-counter extract from the Globe Artichoke plant experienced a modest reduction in total cholesterol.

  Barley
  Research reported in the June 2007 edition of the British Journal of Nutrition indicated that the addition of barley derived beta-glucan added to cereals or a fruit beverage reduced cholesterol from 9 to 15 percent over a six-week period. Studies into barley are ongoing and offer promise for cholesterol reduction.

Conclusion

• Evidence is emerging that herbs can help lower cholesterol; however, further research is needed to demonstrate how effective and safe consumption of herbs for medical purposes will be over the long-term. In the meantime, talk to your doctor about using herbs and herbal supplements as part of your overall high cholesterol treatment regime.