In hypercholesterolemic patients, besides therapeutic treatments, alternative treatments can be used such as lifestyle changes, e.g. avoiding smoking, regular exercise, and consuming a diet rich in fiber and low in trans saturated and saturated fats. There are also certain plant products, such as the gum residue guggulipid, that are used in India as a traditional medicine to reduce blood cholesterol levels. Similarly, red yeast rice and rice bran oil have been observed to reduce elevated cholesterol levels. Other herbal products have also been investigated for their role in lowering cholesterol levels, as well as various other herbs and spices such as ginger and turmeric. Another herbal remedy available for reducing high cholesterol levels is the leaf extract of Cynara scolymus, commonly known as artichoke thistle. Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus, or globe artichoke, is mainly cultivated as a food crop. It has an important effect on reducing plasma cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels.
Part of the book: Dyslipidemia