Chromium (as Chromium Polynicotinate)

 

This form of Chromium, which is also known as the organic form of Chromium, is considered to be the most biologically active form, (as it binds the elemental chromium to niacin).  It is regarded as the most effective and absorbable form of Chromium available, (Chromium Polynicotinate is recommended by the U.S. Government National Research Council as the superior and preferred form of Chromium for its high levels of bioavailability).  Chromium facilitates and stimulates the synthesis of fat and cholesterol in the body. Major hospital and university studies have suggested that Chromium polynicotinate supplementation can reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, particularly in deficient individuals, (estimates state 90% of have a deficiency of this mineral). 

 

Red Rice Yeast

Our Red Rice Yeast is an all-natural whole food powder made from dried fermented rice.  Red Rice Yeast has been shown to lower LDL and raise HDL cholesterol levels.  In a study conducted at UCLA School of Medicine, people with high cholesterol levels received red yeast rice over a 12-week period.  The study concluded that red yeast rice significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and total triglyceride concentrations.  Additionally, two studies involving red yeast rice were presented at the American Heart Association's 39th Annual conference in 1999. The first study, involving 187 people with mild to moderate elevations in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol revealed that treatment with red yeast rice reduced total cholesterol by more than 16%, LDL cholesterol by 21%, and triglycerides by 24%. HDL cholesterol also increased by 14%. In the second study, elderly participants who were given red yeast rice experienced significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol compared to those who received placebo. Both studies treated the participants with the supplement or placebo for 8 weeks.

In another 8-week trial involving 446 people with high cholesterol levels, those who received red yeast rice experienced a significant drop in cholesterol levels compared to those who received placebo. Total cholesterol fell by 22.7%, LDL by 31%, and triglycerides by 34% in the red yeast rice group. HDL cholesterol increased by 20% in the red yeast rice group as well.

Policosonals (from Sugar Cane)

The main policosanol form in sugar cane is octacosanol, a long-chain fatty alcohol found in the waxy film that covers the leaves and fruit of the plants that contain it.  Policosanol is a hypocholesterolemic compound that protects LDL cholesterol against oxidation and discourages blood clot formation which inhibits platelet aggregation.

Phytosterols Complex (from Soy)

Phytosterols (or plant sterols) occur naturally primarily in vegetable and soy oils.  The mechanism behind phytosterols and cholesterol reduction properties, occurs when the incorporation of cholesterol into micelles in the gastrointestinal tract is inhibited, decreasing the overall amount of cholesterol absorbed. This may in turn help to control body total cholesterol levels, as well as modify HDL and LDL levels.  To date, more than 20 clinical studies on the effects of phytosterols on cholesterol have been conducted. One study published in Food Technology indicated that consuming two grams of phytosterols daily could slash the risk of heart disease by 25%.  Additionally, another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that phytosterols interfered with cholesterol absorption by 33% to 42%.

CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 is found in plant and animal cells as a molecular compound.  The primary role in cells of Q10 is to convert nutrients into energy.  Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals and helps preserve vitamin E, the major antioxidant of cell membranes and blood cholesterol. As an antioxidant, CoQ10 can prevent the oxidation of bad LDL cholesterol and the negatives that would otherwise occur.  Further, CoQ10 is active in the biosynthesis of blood cholesterol.  The benzoquinone portion of Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized from tyrosine, whereas the isoprene sidechain is synthesized from acetyl-CoA through the mevalonate pathway. The mevalonate pathway is utilized in the first steps of cholesterol biosynthesis.

 

Guggul Lipids 

Guggul is extracted from the sap or resin of a guggul plant. Previously, guggul was used in animal studies and it was found that guggul lowered cholesterol levels and protected against the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries leading to heart attack).Since then, studies were made in humans to determine the effectiveness of guggul-lipid in lowering cholesterol. 

In one study 205 patients reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol by an average of 26 percent and triglycerides by 22.6 percent. They used a supplement of 500 mg of gugulipid for 12 weeks with no change in diet or lifestyle.   Another study involved 61 patients aged 25 to 65 years old, whose cholesterol levels were greater than 200 mg/dl. They were divided into two groups and advised to keep a low-fat diet and to eat at least 400 grams per day fruits and vegetables.  However, one group was given an additional 50 mg gugul lipid twice a day for 24 weeks or 6 months.  While the diet alone caused a significant decrease in total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides in both groups, those treated with the guggul lipid had a further 11.7 percent drop in the total cholesterol, along with a 12.7 percent decrease in LDL cholesterol and a 12 percent decrease in triglycerides. At the same time their total cholesterol to HDL  cholesterol ratio rose by 11.1 percent. 

The biological functioning of guggul lipds was illustrated in studies conducted in the University of Texas and Baylor College, which established that guggul-lipids block the activity of a receptor in the liver's cell, called farnesoid X receptor (FXR).  This receptor (FXR), binds bile acids, which maintain normal cholesterol levels. In humans, about 500 mg of cholesterol is converted in bile acids every day. This route for elimination of excess cholesterol is important, especially when the intake of cholesterol is massive.  When bile acid levels are high, it binds to the FXR site and this action stops further production of bile acids. By inhibiting FXR, the production of bile acids continues and therefore rids the body of more cholesterol.  Gugulipid had also blood thinning (anti-platelet) and antioxidants properties as well, which are plus points in the treatment of high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.The anti-platelet effect prevents blood platelets clumping together, and as an antioxidant, guggulipid prevents LDLcholesterol from oxidizing.

Artichoke Leaf Extract

Artichoke leaf extract is derived from the common globe artichoke, a widely consumed vegetable.  A recent study conducted by the prestigious University of Reading (United Kingdom) resulted in a statistically significant reduction in total plasma cholesterol.  The biological activity by which artichokes lower cholesterol is not fully known. It is thought that artichokes may indirectly interact with the proteins called HMGCoA.  This enzyme plays an important role in the making of cholesterol. Artichokes also contain antioxidants, such as flavonoids. These chemicals are also in a variety of other, colorful vegetables and fruits and are considered to play a role in lowering the oxidation of LDL.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil.  Our EPA is molecularly distilled and is derived from haddock and salmon.  EPA is required for the production of a special group of substances in the body called prostaglandins, which control blood clotting and other arterial functions.  These lipid-lowering effects, along with some benefits in reducing platelet aggregation and clotting potential, make EPA an excellent supplement for those with high blood fats or low HDL.

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Research Support

Chromium

Anderson, R.A., M. Polansky, N. Bryden, et al. Chromium supplementation of human subjects - effects on glucose, insulin, and lipid variables. Metabolism, 1983. 32; 894-899.

Kaats GR, Blum K, Pullin D, et al. A randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study of the effects of chromium supplementation on body composition: a replication and extension of a previous study. Current Therapeutic Research. June 1998;59:379 388.

 

Kumpulainen JT, Wolf WR, Veillon C, Mertz W. Determination of chromium in selected United States diets. J Agric Food Chem. 1979 May–Jun;27(3):490–494.

 

Mossop, R.T. Effects of chromium III on fasting blood glucose, cholesterol and cholesterol HDL levels in diabetics. Cent Afr J Med. 1983. 29; 80-82.

Newman HA, Leighton RF, Lanese RR, Freedland NA. Serum chromium and angiographically determined coronary artery disease. Clin Chem. 1978 Apr;24(4):541–544. 8

Riales, R. & M. Albrink. Effect of chromium supplementation on glucose tolerance and serum lipids including high-density lipoprotein of adult men. Am J Clin Nutr. 1981 34; 2670-2678.

Schroeder HA, Nason AP, Tipton IH. Chromium deficiency as a factor in atherosclerosis. J Chronic Dis. 1990 Aug;23(2):123–142.

 

U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, Human Nutrition Research Center, Chromium Study, 1996.

Yang X, Li SY, Dong F, Ren J, Sreejayan N. Insulin-sensitizing and cholesterol-lowering effects of chromium (D-Phenylalanine)3. J Inorg Biochem. 2006 Jul;100(7):1187-93

 

Policosanol

Canetti MM, Moreira M, Mas R, et al. Effects of policosanol on primary hypercholesterolemia: a 3-year open extension follow-up. Curr Ther Res 1997;58:868-75.

Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults. Summary of the second report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) expert panel on detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults (Adult Treatment Panel II). JAMA 1993;269:3015-23.
Expert Panel. Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults. Arch Intern Med 1988;148:36-69.

Gonzales-Bravo D, Magraner-Hernandez J, Acosta-Gonzales PC, et al. Analytical procedure for the determination of 1-octacosanol in plasma by solvent extraction and capillary gas chromatography. J Chromatr 1996;682:359-63.

Ioanna Gouni-Berthold , MD ,a and Heiner K. Berthold, MD, PhDb, Policosanol: Clinical pharmacology and therapeutic significance of a new lipid-lowering agent. Rotenburg an der Fulda and Bonn, Germany. American Heart Journal, February 2002.

Más R.; Castaño G.; Fernández L.; Illnait J.; Fernández J.; Alvarez E. Effects of Policosanol on Lipid Profile and Cardiac Events in Older Hypercholesterolaemic Patients with Coronary Disease, Clinical Drug Investigation, Volume 21, Number 7, 1 July 2001, pp. 485-497(13).

Menendez R, Sotolongo V, Fraga V, et al. Plasma levels and excretion of total radioactivity in healthy volunteers after oral administration of 3H-octacosanol. Rev CNIC Cien Biol 1996;27:32-5.

Zardoya R, Tula L, Castano G, et al. Effects of policosanol on hypercholesterolemic patients with abnormal serum biochemical indicators of hepatic function. Curr Ther Res 1996;57:568-77.

 

Red Rice Yeast

Altern Med Rev. 2004 Jun;9(2):208-210. The medicinal properties of red yeast rice favorably impact lipid profiles of hypercholesterolemic patients.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 69, No. 2, 231-236, February 1999. Center for Human Nutrition, Department of Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA: David Heber, Ian Yip, Judith M Ashley, David A Elashoff, Robert M Elashoff and Vay Liang W Go. Cholesterol-lowering effects of a proprietary red-yeast-rice dietary supplement.

Nutr Res 18, 71-81 (1998). Li, C et al. (1998). Monascus purpureus-fermented rice (red yeast rice): A natural food product that lowers blood cholesterol in animal models of hypercholesterolemia.

American Heart Association. 39 th Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Orlando, Fl. March 1999. Bonovich, K, Colfer H, Davidson M, Dujovne C, Greenspan M, Karlberg R, et al. A Multi-Center, Self-Controlled Study of Cholestin In Subjects With Elevated Cholesterol.

Cur Ther Res. 1997;58:964-978. Wang J, Lu Z, Chi, et.al.; A multi-center clinical trial of the serum lipid-lowering effect of Monascus purpureus (red yeast) rice preparation from TCM.

Phytosterols

Ostlund RE Jr. Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. Phytosterols effectively reduce LDL-cholesterol when given as supplements.

Nestle Research Center, Nestec Ltd, Lausanne, Switzerland. Richelle M, Enslen M, Hager C, Groux M, Tavazzi I, Godin JP, Berger A, Metairon S, Quaile S, Piguet-Welsch C, Sagalowicz L, Green H, Fay LB. Plant sterols reduce cholesterol absorption, which leads to a decrease in plasma and LDL-cholesterol concentrations.

Normén AL, Brants HA, Voorrips LE, Andersson HA, van den Brandt PA, Goldbohm RA (2000). Plant Sterol Intakes and the risk of cancer. Am J Clin Nutr 74 (1): 141–148.

Cardiovasc Drug Rev. 2005 Spring;23(1):57-70. University of Connecticut, Department of Nutritional Sciences, 3624 Horsebarn Road Ext., U 4017 Storrs, CT 06269, USA.

 
Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Nov;80(5):1159-66. Varady KA, Ebine N, Vanstone CA, Parsons WE, Jones PJ. School of DieteticsMcGill University, Montreal, and the Veterans' Hospital, Sainte Anne de Bellevue, Quebec. Plant sterols and endurance training combine to favorably alter plasma lipid profiles in previously sedentary hypercholesterolemic adults after 8 wk. and Human Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

CoQ10

Kawashiri MA et al. “Comparison of Effects of Pitavastatin and Atorvastatin on Plasma Coenzyme Q10 in Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Results from a Crossover Study.” Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2008 May;83(5):731-9.

Keogh A et al. "Randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q, therapy in class II and III systolic heart failure." Heart Lung Circ. 2003;12(3):135-41.

Langsjoen PH and Langsjoen AM. "Supplemental ubiquinol in patients with advanced congestive heart failure." Biofactors. 2088;32(1-4):119-128.

Littarru GP, Langsjoen P. “Coenzyme Q10 and statins: biochemical and clinical implications.” Mitochondrion. 2007 Jun;7 Suppl:S168-74.

Molyneaux SL et al. "Coenzyme Q10: an independent predictor of mortality in chronic heart failure." J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008 Oct 28;52(18):1435-41.

Singh RB et al. "Effect of coenzyme Q10 on risk of atherosclerosis in patients with recent myocardial infarction." Mol Cell Biochem. 2003;246(1-2):75-82.

Thomas SR et al. "Dietary cosupplementation with vitamin E and coenzyme Q(10) inhibits atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E gen" Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2001;21(4):585-93.

Guggul Lipids

Atherosclerosis. 2004 Feb;172(2):239-46 The hypolipidemic natural product Commiphora mukul and its component guggulsterone inhibit oxidative modification of LDL.

Deng R. Therapeutic effects of guggul and its constituent guggulsterone: cardiovascular benefits. Cardiovasc Drug Rev. 2007 Winter;25(4):375-90

Nityanand S, Srivastava JS, Asthana OP. Clinical trials with guggulipid. A new hypolipidaemic agent. J Assoc Phys India 1989;37:323-8.

Singh RB, Niaz MA, Ghosh S. Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of Commiphora mukul as an adjunct to dietary therapy in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 1994;8:659-64.

Ulbricht C, Basch E, Szapary P, Hammerness P, Axentsev S, Boon H, Kroll D, Garraway L, Vora M, Woods J. Guggul for hyperlipidemia: a review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration .Ther Med. 2005 Dec;13(4):279-90

Urizar NL, Moore DD. Guggulipid: a natural cholesterol-lowering agent Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. nurizar@bcm.tmc.edu

Szapary PO, Wolfe ML, Bloedon LT, et al. Guggulipid for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2003;290(6):765-772.

Artichoke Leaf Extract

Bundy R, Walker AF, Middleton RW, Wallis C, Simpson HC. Artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) reduces plasma cholesterol in otherwise healthy hypercholesterolemic adults: a randomized, double blind placebo controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2008 Sep;15(9):668-75.

 

Cinzia Comino, Alain Hehn, Andrea Moglia, Barbara Menin, Frédéric Bourgaud, Sergio Lanteri, and Ezio Portis. The isolation and mapping of a novel hydroxycinnamoyltransferase in the globe artichoke chlorogenic acid pathway. BMC Plant Biol. 2009; 9: 30

 

Gebhardt R. Inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis in HepG2 cells by artichoke extracts is reinforced by glucosidase pretreatment. Phytother Res. 2002 Jun;16(4):368-72.

 

Joshipura K.J., Hu F.B., Manson J.E. The effect of fruit and vegetable intake on risk for coronary heart disease. Ann Intern Med. 2001;134:1106–1114.

 

Joy JF, Haber SL. Clinical uses of artichoke leaf extract. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2007 Sep 15;64(18):1904, 1906-9

 

Küçükgergin C, Aydin AF, Ozdemirler-Erata G, Mehmetçik G, Koçak-Toker N, Uysal M. Effect of Artichoke Leaf Extract on Hepatic and Cardiac Oxidative Stress in Rats Fed on High Cholesterol Diet. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2009

 

Pittler MH, Thompson CO, Ernst E. Artichoke leaf extract for treating hypercholesterolaemia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(3).

 

Saénz Rodriguez T, García Giménez D, de la Puerta Vázquez R. Choleretic activity and biliary elimination of lipids and bile acids induced by an artichoke leaf extract. Phytomedicine. 2002 Dec;9(8):687-93

 

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)

Adler, Adam J. and Holub, Bruce J. Effect of garlic and fish-oil supplementation on serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in hypercholesterolemic men. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 65, February 1997, pp. 445-50

Brunton S and Collins N. Differentiating prescription omega-3-acid ethyl esters (P-OM3) from dietary-supplement omega-3 fatty acids. Curr Med Res Opin 2007 May;23(5):1139-45

 

Harris, William S. n-3 fatty acids and serum lipoproteins: human studies. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 65 (suppl), 1997, pp. 1645S-54S

 

Kris-Etherton, PM, et al. Fish consumption, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease. Circulation, Vol. 106, November 19, 2002, pp. 2747-57

 

Laidlaw, Maggie and Holub, Bruce J. Effect of supplementation with fish oil-derived n-3 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid on circulating plasma lipids and fatty acid profiles in women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 77, January 2003, pp. 37-42

 

Skulas-Ray AC, et al. Omega-3 fatty acid concentrates in the treatment of moderate hypertriglyceridemia. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2008 May;9(7):1237-48

 

Studer, M., et al. Effect of different antilipidemic agents and diets on mortality. Archives of Internal Medicine, Vol. 165, April 2005, pp. 725-30

 

Zampelas, A. et al. Fish consumption among healthy adults is associated with decreased levels of inflammatory markers related to cardiovascular disease: The ATTICA Study. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Vol. 46, July 2005, pp. 120-24

 

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