Recent perspectives on the role of nutraceuticals as cholesterol-lowering agents. Issue 6 (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ward, Natalie; Sahebkar, Amirhossein; Banach, Maciej; Watts, Gerald
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in lipidology. Volume 28:Issue 6(2017:Dec.)
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: dyslipidemia -- low-density lipoprotein -- nutraceuticals -- total cholesterol; Lipids -- Periodicals; 572.574
• DOI: 10.1097/MOL.0000000000000455
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-6535

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose of review: Reduction in circulating cholesterol is an important step in lowering cardiovascular risk. Although statins are the most frequently prescribed cholesterol-lowering medication, there remains a significant portion of patients who require alternative treatment options. Nutraceuticals are increasingly popular as cholesterol-lowering agents. Despite the lack of long-term trials evaluating their use on cardiovascular endpoints and mortality, several studies have demonstrated their potential cholesterol-lowering effects. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the role of nutraceuticals as cholesterol-lowering agents. The present review will focus on individual nutraceutical compounds, which have shown modest cholesterol-lowering abilities, as well as combination nutraceuticals, which may offer potential additive and/or synergistic effects. Recent findings: Berberine, red yeast rice, and plant sterols have moderate potential as cholesterol-lowering agents. Combination nutraceuticals, including the proprietary formulation, Armolipid Plus, appear to confer additional benefit on plasma lipid profiles, even when taken with statins and other agents. Summary: Although robust, long-term clinical trials to examine the effects of nutraceuticals on clinical outcomes are still required, their cholesterol-lowering ability, together with their reported tolerance and safety, offer a pragmatic option for lowering plasma cholesterol levels.