When you eat beyond your body's energy needs, your body immediately converts unused calories into triglycerides, a type of fat that serves as a source of energy between meals. Excessive overeating, coupled with a lack of exercise, can lead to elevated triglyceride levels, which increases the risk for heart disease. Primary strategies for managing this problem include lifestyle changes, and, sometimes, medications. Research suggests certain herbal treatments might lower triglyceride levels, but not enough evidence exists to draw firm conclusions about their efficacy. Always talk to your doctor before experimenting with alternative therapies.
Cinnamon
Usually thought of as a sweet flavoring in a variety of foods and beverages, cinnamon has been used medicinally for various purposes. A study published in the December 2003 issue of ''Diabetes Care'' found cinnamon lowered triglycerides in type 2 diabetics. For 40 days, participants either took 1, 3, or 6 g of cinnamon daily or a placebo. At the conclusion of the study, everyone taking cinnamon experienced a 23 percent to 30 percent drop in their triglyceride levels. Cinnamon might also lower blood sugar. If you use cinnamon supplements along with insulin or other diabetes medications, you might need to reduce the doses to compensate for the effects of cinnamon to avoid hypoglycemia. Get advice from your doctor before experimenting with cinnamon and medications.
Olive Leaf
Olive leaf has long been prized for its antimicrobial activities, and people frequently used the leaf to clean wounds. It might also offer benefits for the heart, as well. The February 2011 issue of ''Phytomedicine'' published a study testing the effects of olive leaf on hypertension compared to a common blood pressure medicine. Besides lowering blood pressure just as effectively, researchers found it provide other benefits as well, including a ''significant reduction in triglyceride levels.'' Olive leaf does not have any significant adverse effects associated with it.
Aloe Vera Gel
While aloe vera gel is primarily thought of as a topical treatment for burns and other skin injuries, oral use might provide some therapeutic benefits, as well. A study published in the September 2009 issue of ''Phytomedicine'' tested the effects of aloe vera gel on various health indicators in mice. Researchers found aloe gel decreased triglyceride levels in the blood and liver. It also lowered blood sugar, which means taking the same precautions mentioned with the use of cinnamon. Do not confuse products made from aloe vera gel with products made from aloe latex, which contains chemicals that produce harsh laxative properties and other potentially negative effects. The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reports aloe gel seems generally safe for oral consumption.
Oren-Gedoku-To
Kampo, the ancient system of Japanese medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine both rely heavily on herbal medicines made from a complex mix of plants. One formula in particular, oren-gedoku-to or Huanglian-Jie-Du-Tang, might work for lowering triglyceride levels. A study published in a 2002 issue of ''Phytomedicine'' found injections of this herbal preparations into human plasma significantly decreased triglyceride levels and cholesterol levels. These systems of medicine work on very different principles than Western medicine and you should consult with an experienced practitioner for guidance in using these preparations.
References
- ''Diabetes Care'';Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People With Type 2 Diabetes;Alam Khan, MS, PHD, et al.;December 2003
- ''Phytomedicine'';Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Processed Aloe Vera Gel in a Mouse Model of Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus;Kim Kwanghee, et al.;September 2009
- "Phytomedicine''; Olive Leaf Extract Effective in Patients with Stage-1 Hypertension: Comparison with Captopril;Endang Susalit, et al.;February 2011
- ''Phytomedicine'';Reduction of Plasma Triglyceride Level and Enhancement of Plasma albumin concentration by Oren-Gedoku-To Administration;N.Sekiya, et al.;2002
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center;Aloe Vera;August 2011
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