| CHOLESTEROL LOWERING HERBS |
Artemisia scoparia
Scoparone (6,7-dimethoxycoumarin, a coumarin) is an important ingredient
of Artemisia scoparia, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Test-tube
studies have shown its vaso-dilating, anti-cancer and antioxidant activities.
[1,2] In a study of hyperlipidaemic diabetic rabbits, scoparone treated
diabetic rabbits had a less advanced atherosclerosis and a lowered
cholesterol level, compared to the placebo group. [1]
Chamomile
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L., Chamomilla recutita L., Matricaria
chamomilla) has been used as herbal medicinal tea for years. Chamomile is
a good source of several phenolic compounds, primarily the flavonoids
apigenin, quercetin, patuletin, luteolin and their glucosides. Its essential oil
extract contains terpenoids alpha-bisabolol and its oxides and azulenes,
including chamazulene. Test-tube studies showed it has moderate
antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and significant antiplatelet activities.
While, animal studies showed its anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic,
cholesterol-lowering, antispasmotic and anxiolytic effects. [11]
Coptidis rhizome
The accumulation of amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) derived from amyloid
precursor protein (APP) is a triggering event leading to the pathological
cascade of Alzheimer's disease (AD); therefore the inhibition of Abeta
production should be a rational therapeutic strategy in the prevention and
treatment of AD.
Coptidis rhizome is a popular Chinese traditional herbal medicine. One of
its major active ingredients is berberine. It is believed that berberine has
many health benefits. Basic studies have shown that it has antidiarrheal,
antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. In addition, it may also have
cholesterol-lowering effects and help prevent neuronal damage due to
ischemia or oxidative stress.
In a cell study, Japanese researchers reported that berberine reduced
amyloid-beta peptide levels by modulating its precursor protein. High levels
of amyloid-beta peptide is known to be associated with Alzheimer's
disease. [12]
Erica multiflora L. (Ericaceae) flowers
Intragastric administration of Erica multiflora extract (0.25 g/100g body
weight) to hyperlipidaemic rats caused a significant decrease on their
plasma lipid levels (quantified by enzymatic kits). [13]
Garlic
Researchers from Universitat Berlin, Deutschland consider garlic as a
herbal remedy which is able to reduce total-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol,
triglyceride and fibrinogen levels but improve HDL-cholesterol. , It may also
lower arterial blood pressure, promote organ perfusion, and, inhibit platelet
aggregation. [5]
Ginseng is one of the most popular herbal remedies. Researchers found that
administration of ginseng in anaesthetized rats resulted in a reduction of bile
flow and in bile secretion of total lipids and cholesterol, while it increased the
secretion of proteins in a dose-dependent manner. [6]
Guabiroba
An infusion of Campomanesia xanthocarpa Berg. (Myrtaceae) leaves
(Guabiroba) and the herb Cuphea carthagenensis (Jacq.) J.F. Macbr.
(Lythraceae) (Sete-sangrias) is traditionally used in the South of Brazil to
treat high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Chronic treatment with the
Guabiroba aqueous extract induced a significant reduction in weight gain in
the rats, compared to the control group, but it had no significant effects on
the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. [10]
Gymnema sylvestre,
In a study of spontaneously hypertensive rats fed with starch, sugar, or sugar
diet, intake of gymnema sylvestre led to a significant decrease in cholesterol
levels. But, the researchers also found an increase in systolic blood pressure
in these lab animals. [4]
Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino
Extracts from Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino (Cucurbitaceae), a
Southeast Asian herb, has been reported to affect numerous activities
resulting in antitumor, cholesterol-lowering, immunopotentiating, antioxidant,
and hypoglycemic effects. A study of rats showed it may also benefit glucose
intolerance. [9]
Han-Dan-Gan-Le
Researchers claimed that Han-Dan-Gan-Le (or Handanganle) could
effectively reverse chemically induced liver fibrosis in rats by stimulation of
hepatic collagenolysis. Han-Dan-Gan-Le is a Chinese herb preparation
composed of Stephaniat tetrandra, Salvia miltorrhiza, Radix paeoniae,
Astragalus membranaceus, and Ginkgo biloba. [7]
Hibiscus sabdariffa L.
Hibiscus sabdariffa L., a soft drink ingredient and a Chinese herbal
medicine, is believed to have benefits on hypertension, pyrexia, and liver
disorders. In rabbits, oral administration of extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa
reduced the triglyceride, cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. It also
reduced severe atherosclerosis in the aorta of the animals. [8]
Huanglian
Studies have identified berberine (BBR), an alkaloid isolated from the
Chinese herb huanglian, as a unique cholesterol-lowering drug that
upregulates hepatic low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression
through a mechanism of mRNA stabilization. [15]
Ocimum basilicum
Ocimum basilicum is one of the medicinal plants widely used in Morocco to
reduce plasma cholesterol and to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis-related
diseases. Oral administration of aqueous Ocimum basilicum extract in
hyperlipidaemic rats reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides and
LDL-cholesterol levels by 56%, 63% and 68% respectively. [14]
Salvia miltiorrhiza
Antioxidants that prevent LDL from oxidation may reduce atherosclerosis.
Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge is a Chinese herb; its root contains salvianolic acid
B. Salvianolic acid B has been found is able to scavenge
1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals and inhibit LDL oxidation more
effectively than probucol. In a 12 weeks study of rabbits, researchers
showed that it could also lower the cholesterol deposition in the thoracic
aorta by 50%. [3]
Sete-sangrias
An infusion of Campomanesia xanthocarpa Berg. (Myrtaceae) leaves
(Guabiroba) and the herb Cuphea carthagenensis (Jacq.) J.F. Macbr.
(Lythraceae) (Sete-sangrias) is traditionally used in the South of Brazil to
treat high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Chronic treatment with the
Sete-sangrias aqueous extract induced a significant reduction in plasma
cholesterol in rats. However, it had no effect on glucose and triglyceride
levels in these animals in the study. [10]
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ZHION 2011. THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IT IS RISKY TO TAKE
A HERBAL PRODUCT WITHOUT CONSULTING WITH A DOCTOR.
[1] Chen YL, et al, Morphological evidence for the antiatherogenic effect of scoparone in hyperlipidaemic
diabetic rabbits. Cardiovasc Res. 1994 Nov;28(11):1679-85. [2] Hoult JR, Paya M. Pharmacological and
biochemical actions of simple coumarins: natural products with therapeutic potential. Gen Pharmacol. 1996
Jun;27(4):713-22. [3] Wu YJ, et al, Increase of vitamin E content in LDL and reduction of atherosclerosis in
cholesterol-fed rabbits by a water-soluble antioxidant-rich fraction of Salvia miltiorrhiza. Arterioscler Thromb
Vasc Biol. 1998 Mar;18(3):481-6. [4] Preuss HG, et al, Comparative effects of chromium, vanadium and
gymnema sylvestre on sugar-induced blood pressure elevations in SHR. J Am Coll Nutr. 1998 Apr; 17(2):116-23.
[5] Siegel G, et al, Pleiotropic effects of garlic Wien Med Wochenschr. 1999;149(8-10):217-24. [6] Salam OM,
et al, The effect of ginseng on bile-pancreatic secretion in the rat. Increase in proteins and inhibition of total
lipids and cholesterol secretion. Pharmacol Res. 2002 Apr;45(4):349-53. [7] Li C, et al, The collagenolytic
effects of the traditional Chinese medicine preparation, Han-Dan-Gan-Le, contribute to reversal of
chemical-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Life Sci. 2003 Feb 21;72(14):1563-71. [8] Chen CC et al, Hibiscus
sabdariffa extract inhibits the development of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits J Agric Food Chem.
2003 Aug 27;51(18):5472-7. [9] Norberg A, et al, A novel insulin-releasing substance, phanoside, from the plant
Gynostemma pentaphyllum. J Biol Chem. 2004 Oct 1;279(40):41361-7. Epub 2004 Jun 25. [10] Biavatti MW, et
al, Preliminary studies on Campomanesia xanthocarpa (Berg.) and Cuphea carthagenensis (Jacq.) J.F. Macbr.
aqueous extract: weight control and biochemical parameters. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Aug;93(2-3):385-9. [11]
McKay DL, Blumberg JB. A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (Matricaria
recutita L.). Phytother Res. 2006 Jul;20(7):519-30. [12] Asai M, et al, Berberine alters the processing of
Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein to decrease Abeta secretion. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2007 Jan
12;352(2):498-502. Epub 2006 Nov 15. [13] Harnafi H, et al, The hypolipidaemic activity of aqueous Erica
multiflora flowers extract in Triton WR-1339 induced hyperlipidaemic rats: a comparison with fenofibrate. J
Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Jan 3;109(1):156-60. Epub 2006 Sep 24. [14] Amrani S, et al, Hypolipidaemic activity
of aqueous Ocimum basilicum extract in acute hyperlipidaemia induced by triton WR-1339 in rats and its
antioxidant property. Phytother Res. 2006 Dec;20(12):1040-5. [15] Abidi P, et al, The medicinal plant
goldenseal is a natural LDL-lowering agent with multiple bioactive components and new action mechanisms. J
Lipid Res. 2006 Oct;47(10):2134-47. Epub 2006 Aug 2.
Scoparone (6,7-dimethoxycoumarin, a coumarin) is an important ingredient
of Artemisia scoparia, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Test-tube
studies have shown its vaso-dilating, anti-cancer and antioxidant activities.
[1,2] In a study of hyperlipidaemic diabetic rabbits, scoparone treated
diabetic rabbits had a less advanced atherosclerosis and a lowered
cholesterol level, compared to the placebo group. [1]
Chamomile
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L., Chamomilla recutita L., Matricaria
chamomilla) has been used as herbal medicinal tea for years. Chamomile is
a good source of several phenolic compounds, primarily the flavonoids
apigenin, quercetin, patuletin, luteolin and their glucosides. Its essential oil
extract contains terpenoids alpha-bisabolol and its oxides and azulenes,
including chamazulene. Test-tube studies showed it has moderate
antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and significant antiplatelet activities.
While, animal studies showed its anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic,
cholesterol-lowering, antispasmotic and anxiolytic effects. [11]
Coptidis rhizome
The accumulation of amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) derived from amyloid
precursor protein (APP) is a triggering event leading to the pathological
cascade of Alzheimer's disease (AD); therefore the inhibition of Abeta
production should be a rational therapeutic strategy in the prevention and
treatment of AD.
Coptidis rhizome is a popular Chinese traditional herbal medicine. One of
its major active ingredients is berberine. It is believed that berberine has
many health benefits. Basic studies have shown that it has antidiarrheal,
antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. In addition, it may also have
cholesterol-lowering effects and help prevent neuronal damage due to
ischemia or oxidative stress.
In a cell study, Japanese researchers reported that berberine reduced
amyloid-beta peptide levels by modulating its precursor protein. High levels
of amyloid-beta peptide is known to be associated with Alzheimer's
disease. [12]
Erica multiflora L. (Ericaceae) flowers
Intragastric administration of Erica multiflora extract (0.25 g/100g body
weight) to hyperlipidaemic rats caused a significant decrease on their
plasma lipid levels (quantified by enzymatic kits). [13]
Garlic
Researchers from Universitat Berlin, Deutschland consider garlic as a
herbal remedy which is able to reduce total-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol,
triglyceride and fibrinogen levels but improve HDL-cholesterol. , It may also
lower arterial blood pressure, promote organ perfusion, and, inhibit platelet
aggregation. [5]
Ginseng is one of the most popular herbal remedies. Researchers found that
administration of ginseng in anaesthetized rats resulted in a reduction of bile
flow and in bile secretion of total lipids and cholesterol, while it increased the
secretion of proteins in a dose-dependent manner. [6]
Guabiroba
An infusion of Campomanesia xanthocarpa Berg. (Myrtaceae) leaves
(Guabiroba) and the herb Cuphea carthagenensis (Jacq.) J.F. Macbr.
(Lythraceae) (Sete-sangrias) is traditionally used in the South of Brazil to
treat high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Chronic treatment with the
Guabiroba aqueous extract induced a significant reduction in weight gain in
the rats, compared to the control group, but it had no significant effects on
the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. [10]
Gymnema sylvestre,
In a study of spontaneously hypertensive rats fed with starch, sugar, or sugar
diet, intake of gymnema sylvestre led to a significant decrease in cholesterol
levels. But, the researchers also found an increase in systolic blood pressure
in these lab animals. [4]
Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino
Extracts from Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino (Cucurbitaceae), a
Southeast Asian herb, has been reported to affect numerous activities
resulting in antitumor, cholesterol-lowering, immunopotentiating, antioxidant,
and hypoglycemic effects. A study of rats showed it may also benefit glucose
intolerance. [9]
Han-Dan-Gan-Le
Researchers claimed that Han-Dan-Gan-Le (or Handanganle) could
effectively reverse chemically induced liver fibrosis in rats by stimulation of
hepatic collagenolysis. Han-Dan-Gan-Le is a Chinese herb preparation
composed of Stephaniat tetrandra, Salvia miltorrhiza, Radix paeoniae,
Astragalus membranaceus, and Ginkgo biloba. [7]
Hibiscus sabdariffa L.
Hibiscus sabdariffa L., a soft drink ingredient and a Chinese herbal
medicine, is believed to have benefits on hypertension, pyrexia, and liver
disorders. In rabbits, oral administration of extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa
reduced the triglyceride, cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. It also
reduced severe atherosclerosis in the aorta of the animals. [8]
Huanglian
Studies have identified berberine (BBR), an alkaloid isolated from the
Chinese herb huanglian, as a unique cholesterol-lowering drug that
upregulates hepatic low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression
through a mechanism of mRNA stabilization. [15]
Ocimum basilicum
Ocimum basilicum is one of the medicinal plants widely used in Morocco to
reduce plasma cholesterol and to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis-related
diseases. Oral administration of aqueous Ocimum basilicum extract in
hyperlipidaemic rats reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides and
LDL-cholesterol levels by 56%, 63% and 68% respectively. [14]
Salvia miltiorrhiza
Antioxidants that prevent LDL from oxidation may reduce atherosclerosis.
Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge is a Chinese herb; its root contains salvianolic acid
B. Salvianolic acid B has been found is able to scavenge
1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals and inhibit LDL oxidation more
effectively than probucol. In a 12 weeks study of rabbits, researchers
showed that it could also lower the cholesterol deposition in the thoracic
aorta by 50%. [3]
Sete-sangrias
An infusion of Campomanesia xanthocarpa Berg. (Myrtaceae) leaves
(Guabiroba) and the herb Cuphea carthagenensis (Jacq.) J.F. Macbr.
(Lythraceae) (Sete-sangrias) is traditionally used in the South of Brazil to
treat high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Chronic treatment with the
Sete-sangrias aqueous extract induced a significant reduction in plasma
cholesterol in rats. However, it had no effect on glucose and triglyceride
levels in these animals in the study. [10]
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ZHION 2011. THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IT IS RISKY TO TAKE
A HERBAL PRODUCT WITHOUT CONSULTING WITH A DOCTOR.
[1] Chen YL, et al, Morphological evidence for the antiatherogenic effect of scoparone in hyperlipidaemic
diabetic rabbits. Cardiovasc Res. 1994 Nov;28(11):1679-85. [2] Hoult JR, Paya M. Pharmacological and
biochemical actions of simple coumarins: natural products with therapeutic potential. Gen Pharmacol. 1996
Jun;27(4):713-22. [3] Wu YJ, et al, Increase of vitamin E content in LDL and reduction of atherosclerosis in
cholesterol-fed rabbits by a water-soluble antioxidant-rich fraction of Salvia miltiorrhiza. Arterioscler Thromb
Vasc Biol. 1998 Mar;18(3):481-6. [4] Preuss HG, et al, Comparative effects of chromium, vanadium and
gymnema sylvestre on sugar-induced blood pressure elevations in SHR. J Am Coll Nutr. 1998 Apr; 17(2):116-23.
[5] Siegel G, et al, Pleiotropic effects of garlic Wien Med Wochenschr. 1999;149(8-10):217-24. [6] Salam OM,
et al, The effect of ginseng on bile-pancreatic secretion in the rat. Increase in proteins and inhibition of total
lipids and cholesterol secretion. Pharmacol Res. 2002 Apr;45(4):349-53. [7] Li C, et al, The collagenolytic
effects of the traditional Chinese medicine preparation, Han-Dan-Gan-Le, contribute to reversal of
chemical-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Life Sci. 2003 Feb 21;72(14):1563-71. [8] Chen CC et al, Hibiscus
sabdariffa extract inhibits the development of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits J Agric Food Chem.
2003 Aug 27;51(18):5472-7. [9] Norberg A, et al, A novel insulin-releasing substance, phanoside, from the plant
Gynostemma pentaphyllum. J Biol Chem. 2004 Oct 1;279(40):41361-7. Epub 2004 Jun 25. [10] Biavatti MW, et
al, Preliminary studies on Campomanesia xanthocarpa (Berg.) and Cuphea carthagenensis (Jacq.) J.F. Macbr.
aqueous extract: weight control and biochemical parameters. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Aug;93(2-3):385-9. [11]
McKay DL, Blumberg JB. A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (Matricaria
recutita L.). Phytother Res. 2006 Jul;20(7):519-30. [12] Asai M, et al, Berberine alters the processing of
Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein to decrease Abeta secretion. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2007 Jan
12;352(2):498-502. Epub 2006 Nov 15. [13] Harnafi H, et al, The hypolipidaemic activity of aqueous Erica
multiflora flowers extract in Triton WR-1339 induced hyperlipidaemic rats: a comparison with fenofibrate. J
Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Jan 3;109(1):156-60. Epub 2006 Sep 24. [14] Amrani S, et al, Hypolipidaemic activity
of aqueous Ocimum basilicum extract in acute hyperlipidaemia induced by triton WR-1339 in rats and its
antioxidant property. Phytother Res. 2006 Dec;20(12):1040-5. [15] Abidi P, et al, The medicinal plant
goldenseal is a natural LDL-lowering agent with multiple bioactive components and new action mechanisms. J
Lipid Res. 2006 Oct;47(10):2134-47. Epub 2006 Aug 2.
THIS WEBSITE TALKS ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS AND THE POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF HERBS, SUPPLEMENTS,
PHYTONUTRIENTS AND DRUG PRODUCTS. THIS WEBSITE ALSO TALKS ABOUT SOME POPULAR HEALTH ISSUES AND
DISEASES. ARTICLES IN THIS WEB SITE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, YOU SHOULD
CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. DO NOT COPY NOR TRANSFER ARTICLES TO
OTHER WEBSITES NOR OTHER FORMS OF PUBLICATIONS. Privacy Policy. ARTICLE INDEX/ Science
PHYTONUTRIENTS AND DRUG PRODUCTS. THIS WEBSITE ALSO TALKS ABOUT SOME POPULAR HEALTH ISSUES AND
DISEASES. ARTICLES IN THIS WEB SITE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, YOU SHOULD
CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. DO NOT COPY NOR TRANSFER ARTICLES TO
OTHER WEBSITES NOR OTHER FORMS OF PUBLICATIONS. Privacy Policy. ARTICLE INDEX/ Science
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