Cardiovascular disease is the biggest killer in North America, and about half of cardiovascular disease mortalities are from coronary heart disease (CHD). The main contributor to CHD is atherosclerosis, the process in which fatty buildup develops on the walls of arteries. Atherosclerosis, in turn, is partly caused by high levels of total cholesterol. The World Health Report estimated that about 8% of all disease in developed countries is caused by elevated cholesterol levels, and around half of the deaths from CHD occur because of cholesterol levels that are excessively high.
The good news is that there are several natural ingredients that have been found to help lower levels of cholesterol. One of these is artichoke leaf. Traditionally, artichoke was used to help with digestion and urinary tract health. It has been used for dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. It works as an antioxidant, and stimulates the production of bile to help the function of the liver and eliminate cholesterol. Extracts from artichoke leaf have been found in several studies to reduce blood levels of lipids, including cholesterol.
A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel trial observed the effects of artichoke leaf extracts on plasma lipid levels of adults with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia. 75 participants (who were otherwise healthy) were given either the extract or a placebo for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, participants in the test group had a 4.2% decrease in plasma total cholesterol, compared to a 1.9% increase in the control group. This decrease, although modest, was statistically significant. Previous studies have found even higher (18%) decreases in cholesterol levels. It appears that artichoke leaf is a helpful aid in controlling cholesterol levels.
Bundy R, Walker AF, Middleton RW, Wallis C and Simpson CR. Artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) reduces plasma cholesterol in otherwise healthy hypercholesterolemic adults: A randomized, double-blind placebo controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2008 published online ahead of print.
For more information see Ortho Liver
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