Herbal for Cholesterol

1. Artichoke Leaf extract (mediterania area like north Africa, Spain, Italy)

There is some research suggesting that artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymnus) may help to
lower cholesterol. Artichoke leaf extract may work by limiting the synthesis of cholesterol in
the body. Artichokes also contain a compound called cynarin, believed to increase bile
production in the liver and speed the flow of bile from the gallbladder, both of which may
increase cholesterol excretion.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled German study found that 1,800 mg of artichoke extract
per day for six weeks significantly lowered total cholesterol by 18.5% compared to 8.6% in
the placebo group and lowered LDL cholesterol by 22.9% compared with 6% in the placebo
group. The ratio of LDL to HDL decreased by 20% in the artichoke group compared with 7%
in the placebo group. There were no adverse effects associated with artichoke use.
A meta-analysis looked at randomized controlled trials for artichoke extract for high
cholesterol. Two trials involving a total of 167 people met the quality criteria. One trial found
artichoke significantly reduced total cholesterol after 42 days of treatment. The other study
found artichoke significantly reduced total cholesterol in a subgroup of patients with total
cholesterol levels of more than 230 mg/dl. Adverse events were mild, transient and
infrequent. Larger clinical trials over longer periods are needed
(http://altmedicine.about.com/od/highcholesterol/a/highcholesterol.htm)

2. Green Tea

The theaflavin-enriched green tea extract we studied is an effective adjunct to a lowsaturated-fat diet to reduce LDL-C in hypercholesterolemic adults and is well tolerated. After
12 weeks, the mean SEM changes from baseline in total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C,
and triglyceride levels were significantly reduced, in the tea extract group. The mean levels
of total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides did not change significantly in the
placebo group. No significant adverse events were observed (David J. Maron et al. 2003.
Cholesterol-Lowering effect of a Theaflavin-Enriched Green Tea Extract. Arch Intern Med.
2003; 163(12) :1448-1453. doi:10.1001/archinte.163.12.1448)
The green tea extract AR25 is an 80% ethanolic dry extract standardized at 25% catechins
expressed as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). In vitro, green tea extract AR25 exerts a direct

inhibition of gastric and pancreatic lipases and a stimulation of thermogenesis. In an open

study, the effects of Green tea extract AR25 were evaluated in moderately obese patients.
After 3 months, body weight was decreased by 4.6% and waist circumference by 4.48%.
These results suggest the green tea extract AR25 to be a natural product for the treatment of
obesity, which exerts its activity by several ways: inhibition of lipases and stimulation of
thermogenesis. (Chantre and D. Lairon. 2002. Recent Findings of Green Tea Extract AR25
(Exolise) and its activity for the treatment of obesity. Phytomedicine Volume 9, Issue
1 , Pages 3-8)