Bad cholesterol, also called low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is a substance that helps transport lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides through the blood. It is called "bad" because LDL is involved in atherosclerosis, the formation of plaques, or fatty deposits, in the artery walls that can result in heart attack and stroke. Conventional treatment for high LDL may include statin drugs, but these can have unpleasant side effects like muscle and kidney problems. Herbs may help lower LDL with fewer side effects. Consult a health care professional before starting herbal therapy.
Basil
Basil, or Ocimum basilicum, is an aromatic herb used throughout the Mediterranean for cooking. Basil leaves also have medicinal properties, and traditional healers use them to treat indigestion, flatulence, parasites, wounds, upper respiratory infections, cough and skin diseases. Active ingredients include flavonoids, procyanidins, tannins and essential oil, and basil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and hypolipidemic actions. A study by S. Amrani and colleagues published in the December 2006 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" tested an extract on animals with induced high cholesterol. The study found that basil has very high antioxidant properties and significantly reduced LDL. After seven hours, treated animals had 79 percent less LDL than the control group. The reduction of LDL was accompanied by an increase in HDL, or good cholesterol, which removes cholesterol from the tissues to the liver, where it is then eliminated in bile acids. This study shows the link between antioxidants, LDL reduction and lowering the risk of atherosclerosis. Basil should not be taken for long periods of time. Avoid basil during pregnancy and do not give the extract to children.
Notoginseng
Notoginseng, or Panax notoginseng, is a perennial native to China. In traditional Asian medical systems, notoginseng is used for cardiovascular disease and wound healing. The active ingredients include groups of saponins called ginsenosides and notoginsenosides, and the plant has antithrombotic, anti-plaque and anti-inflammatory actions. A study by Y. Jia and colleagues published in the August 2010 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" tested the saponins in notoginseng for their action against atherosclerosis. The study found that cells known as foam cells actually start the process of atherosclerosis. Foam cells form when LDLs are oxidized, or mixed with free radicals, causing inflammation and damage to artery walls that can result in blood clots, heart attack and stroke. In the study, notoginseng saponins decreased LDL by up-regulating the expression of ABCA1, a protein that controls the oxidation of LDLs, thus reducing foam cell formation. Consult a medical professional before combining notoginseng with other cholesterol-lowering medicines.
Peanut
Peanut, or Arachis hypogaea, is an annual that produces an edible nut containing two seeds. The seeds and oil are consumed throughout the world, and peanuts are rich in unsaturated fats. Traditional healers use the seeds to treat diabetes, a metabolic disease that is often accompanied by high cholesterol. A study by L.S. Bilbis and colleagues tested a water extract of the seeds on diabetic animals. The study found that the extract significantly lowered LDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL in both diabetic and control animals. Peanuts have potent antioxidant action, mainly due to constituents like p-coumaric acid, resveratrol and coenzyme Q10, which may reduce cardiovascular disease and cancer. Peanut extract should not be combined with other cholesterol-lowering medication.
References
- Phytotherapy Research: Hypolipidaemic activity of aqueous Ocimum basilicum extract in acute hyperlipidaemia induced by triton WR-1339 in rats and its antioxidant property.
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology: Panax notoginseng saponins decrease cholesterol ester via up-regulating ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 in foam cells.
- Phytomedicine: Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of aqueous extract of Arachis hypogaea in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
