Low-density lipoprotein, otherwise known as LDL cholesterol, is referred to as the "bad" kind of cholesterol because it contributes to fatty arterial plaque deposits. This increases the risk of atheriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. It also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, especially if you smoke, have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease. There are natural herbs that may help to lower LDL cholesterol. However, talk to your doctor before using herbs to lower cholesterol and continue conventional treatments, if applicable.
Artichoke Leaf
This member of the daisy family is traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal complaints, including acid reflux. However, the plant may help to reduce serum cholesterol levels as well. In a double blind, randomized, placebo controlled, multi-center clinical trial, German researchers investigated the effects of artichoke leaf extract in 143 people with elevated cholesterol. For six weeks, study subjects were given either 1,800mg artichoke leaf extract or placebo. At the end of the trial, total cholesterol levels in the artichoke-treated group were lowered by 18.5 percent, compared to 8.6 percent in the placebo group. Similarly, LDL cholesterol was reduced by 22.9 percent, compared to 6 percent in the placebo group.
Although these results appear promising, other studies have produced mixed results. In fact, according to the authors of a 2009 Cochrane Review of controlled trials between June 2001 and June 2008, evidence that artichoke leaf extract may lower cholesterol it is not yet conclusive.
Sea Buckthorn
According to the online drug database provided by Drugs.com, studies using animal models have shown that sea buckthorn oil lowers LDL cholesterol while increasing levels of HDL cholesterol, the "good" kind of cholesterol. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 20 human subjects, the consumption of 300ml sea buckthorn juice led to a slight decrease in low-density lipoprotein oxidation and a slight decease in serum HDL cholesterol levels. The mechanism behind the LDL-lowering effect of sea buckthorn may be the high concentration of plant sterols found in the plant, such as bet-sitosterol. Margarine, yogurt, orange juice and other foods are fortified with plant sterols, which, according to the Mayo Clinic, help lower LDL levels by inhibiting the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the intestines.
Policosanol
Policosanol is a mixture of fatty alcohols obtained from the waxes of a few species of plants, most notably Cuban sugar cane. However, due to trade restrictions, sources of policosanol sold in the U.S. come from wheat germ, rice bran, yams or even beeswax. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, several studies have shown that policosanol lowers LDL cholesterol levels as effectively as the cholesterol-lowering medications fluvastatin and simvastatin. However, this substance may also hinder platelet aggregation, or blood clotting. Therefore, policosanol should not be taken in conjunction with blood-thinning medications due to an increased risk of bleeding.
