Natural Cholesterol Lowering Herbs

Wed, 2010-06-23 22:12 — Thiruvelan

Cholesterol natural herbs are trusted not only to control blood Cholesterol, but also good for small intestine, liver, heart and kidney, which are responsible for its cause or affected due to long run.

How cholesterol herbs lower lipid?

Different herbs for cholesterol functions differently in blood cholesterol control;

• Some cholesterol herbs limits the cholesterol synthesis by the body,
• Some cholesterol herbs limits the absorption of cholesterol by the body,
• Some cholesterol herbs improve the function of liver which helps to expel unwanted excess lipid as waste.
• Some cholesterol herbs improve the function of kidney which helps to expel unwanted excess cholesterol as waste.
• Some cholesterol herbs disintegrate the blood cholesterol and free up the arteries. It dissolves the accumulated cholesterol from the arteries into the bloodstream, and then they are eliminated by the kidneys.
• Some cholesterol herbs act as antioxidant and helps the blood vessels to regain or maintain the elasticity of the blood vessels.

Cinnamon as cholesterol herb

A study of this cholesterol lowering natural herb as reported by Diabetes Care of the American Diabetes Association shows some positive sign regarding Cinnamon’s effect to control cholesterol. In 2003, a small study suggested that cinnamon may help lower blood glucose levels, modest reductions in LDL bad cholesterol, as well as triglycerides and total cholesterol.

Bioactive constituents of cinnamon

Various terpenoids found in the volatile oil of cinnamon are believed to have many medicinal effects. Important among these compounds are eugenol and cinnamaldehyde.

Both cinnamaldehyde and cinnamon oil vapors are potent anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-allergic, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic.

Scientific evidence for Cinnamon as cholesterol natural herb

Title: Cinnamate supplementation enhances hepatic lipid metabolism and antioxidant defense systems in high cholesterol-fed rats.
Author: Lee JS, Jeon SM, Park EM, Huh TL, Kwon OS, Lee MK, Choi MS.
Institute: Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.
Conclusion: cinnamate inhibits hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity, resulting in lower hepatic cholesterol content, and suppresses lipid peroxidation via enhancement of hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities.

Arjuna(Terminalia arjuna) as cholesterol herb

Herbal remedy for heart ailments, which can reduces the effects of stress and nervous conditions. It inhibits the absorption of lipids in the blood thus lower cholesterol levels and is a mild diuretic so it lowers hypertension. Arjuna reduces the ability of the blood to coagulate, so be caution if taking blood thinners. Suggested use is 250 mg. of capsule one to two times daily. Arjuna has been used for centuries in the heart related treatment such as heart attacks. Barks of Arjuna tree are rich in Co-enzyme Q-10, which is highly recommended to prevent heart problems.

Bio-active constituents of Arjuna

Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and Copper, Arjunone, Arjunolone, Luteolin are the natural antioxidants. Gallic Acid, Ellagic Acid, Oleanolinic Acid, OPCs or Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins, Phytosterols (beta-sitosterol), TRITERPENOID SAPONINS : Arjunolic Acid, Arjunic Acid, Arjungenin, Arjunglycosides, TRITERPENOID GLYCOSIDES OR Arjuna Glycosides - Arjunine, Arjunetein, Arjunetosides, Co enzyme Q10, Friedlin, Cerasidin and Tannin.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) as cholesterol lowering herb

Coriander otherwise Cilantro a cholesterol lowering herbal is a diuretic in nature, makes the kidneys perform their functions of excretion better. Therefore the kidneys flush out the excess unneeded cholesterols from the body.

Bioactive constitute of Coriander

Friuts contains 14.1% proteins, 16.1 fattly acids (chief fatty acids petroselic acid, oleic acid, linolenic acid.), 21.6% carbohydrates, 4.4% minerals (calcium 0.63, phosphorus 0.37%, and iron 17.9 mg per 100grams). Volatile oil: chief components D-(+)-linalool (coriandrol), including among others borneol, p-cymene, camphor, geraniol, limonene, alpha-pinenes, the unusual smell is caused by the trans-tridec-2-enale content. Hydroxycoumarins: including umbelliferone, scopoletine.

Garlic (Allium cepa) as cholesterol herbal

This cholesterol lowering herbal is beneficial to people with cholesterol that affect the heart. Eating two to three cloves of garlic a day helps to reduce or even completely eliminate the harmful cholesterol in the blood. Garlic can disintegrate the blood cholesterol and free up the arteries. Garlic has anti-clotting effects that reduce plaque formation in blood vessels and clot that causes heart disease and stroke.

Bioactive constitute of Garlic

Garlic contains 0.1-0.36% of a volatile oil these volatile compounds are generally considered to be responsible for most of the pharmacological properties of garlic. Garlic contains at least 33 sulfur compounds like aliin, allicin, ajoene, allylpropl, diallyl, trisulfide, sallylcysteine, vinyldithiines, S-allylmercaptocystein, and others. Besides sulfure compounds garlic contains 17 amino acids and their glycosides, arginine and others. Minerals such as selenium and enzymes like allinase, peroxidases, myrosinase, and others.

Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) - a cholesterol natural herbal 

A medicinal gum resin has trusted for cholesterol related heart problems and proven to reduce the levels of cholesterol on regular use. 25 mg of guggul are prescribed for intake thrice a day.

Bioactive constituents of Guggulu

Guggulu major consituents are 0.9 % moisture, 0.6% volatile oils, resin 61% & gum 29.6% and insoluble substances 3.2%, it also contains very small quantity of certain alkaloids. Oleogum & resin that contains myrcene, dimyrcene and polymyrcene.

Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) as cholesterol herb

This cholesterol herb has believed to have the capacity to dissolve the accumulated cholesterol from the arteries into the person's bloodstream, and then they are eliminated by the kidneys.

Shilajit (Asphaltum) - a natural mineral to lower cholesterol

A magical ayurvedic mineral found to lower serum cholesterol, liver cholestrol, serum triglycerides and serum phospholipids.

Red Yeast Rice to lower cholesterol

Since 800 A.D., red yeast rice has been employed by the Chinese. Its therapeutic uses are to promote blood circulation and digestive stimulant. Research shows red yeast rice inhibits the production of cholesterol by stopping the action of an enzyme in the liver. Red yeast rice capsules are available and 2.4 grams per day is recommended in divided amounts for up to 12 weeks. If successful during this time, it may be used for long term management of high cholesterol.

Fenugreek seeds - natural herbal to lower cholesterol

    
Fenugreeks steroidal saponins are thought to inhibit cholesterol absorption and synthesis. Trials have shown that fenugreek lowers elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, but does not lower HDL good cholesterol levels. The typical range of intake for this saponin is 5 - 30 grams with each meal or 15 - 90 grams all at once with one meal. As a tincture, 3 - 4 ml of fenugreek can be taken up three times a day. Due to the potential uterine stimulating properties of fenugreek, should not be used during pregnancy.

Butcher's Broom - herbal to lower cholesterol

Anti-inflammatory, strengthens blood vessel walls, good for someone going into surgery or after surgery, improves circulation to brain, arms and legs, good for the bed ridden or the elderly, diuretic, lowers bad cholesterol, good for pregnant women and people who stand for long periods of time, as it removes swelling.

Licorice as cholesterol lowering herb

It boosts overall health, licorice root appears to promote normal heart rhythm, thus good for heart health and enhance hormonal balance in women.

Hawthorn berry as cholesterol lowering herb

Widely used for heart conditions. Tonic for the heart dilates blood vessels, relaxant, antioxidant. Its bioflavonoid content help increasing the flow of blood to the heart muscles, thereby reducing the symptoms of angina; also prevents or limits degeneration of the blood vessels. Used to treat angina and coronary artery disease; useful for mild congestive heart and irregular heartbeat. Restores blood pressure to normal and is therefore useful for not only high, but also to low blood pressure.

Alfalfa (Medicago satina) cholesterol herb

It is effective in treating problems of the arteries. It helps in clearing arteries congested with cholesterol.

Some other useful herbs used for cholesterol are: Ginseng, turmeric, Cayenne, Aloe Vera, Saffron, Dandelion, True Blue Skullcap, Thyme Herb, Black Cohash, Gaurana, Yellow Dock, Burdock Root, Echinacea Root. Doses of these herbs need to be carefully administered to avoid side-effect.

The above mentioned ayurvedic herbal remedies are effective in the treatment of cholesterol with out any side effects. But don’t give up your cholesterol allopathic medications; take the herbs along with it, till the cholesterol level reaches normal. Then slowly reduce the dosage and discard allopathic drugs.

Are Herbal remedies safe?
Remember that herbal remedies are medicines, thus herbal remedies too has some side effects. Herbal remedies can also interact with other medicines you are taking. It is best to avoid or get registered herbal practitioners advice before taking herbal remedies, if the treatment is for pregnant women, breast-feeding mother, child or older people.