High cholesterol is a condition in which the levels of cholesterol in your blood are too high. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in all of your cells. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones and digest fatty foods. But too much cholesterol can build up in your arteries and cause heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. 

According to a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in Nigeria the estimated number of people with hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) in Nigeria in 1995 was 8.2 million (age-adjusted prevalence 16.5%). This number increased to 21.9 million in 2015 (age-adjusted prevalence 25.9%). The high prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in Nigeria is a major public health concern. It is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in Nigeria.

There are a number of herbal supplements that have been shown to have some potential for lowering cholesterol levels. While these supplements are not a replacement for medical advice or prescribed medications, they can complement a healthy lifestyle and diet.

In this post, we’ll explore the top 10 herbal supplements that have shown the most promise for lowering high cholesterol:

1. Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a flowering plant that has been used for centuries to lower cholesterol. It contains powerful compounds such as Fenugreek saponins, Fenugreek fiber, and Fenugreek lignans. Here’s how fenugreek may help lower cholesterol:

• Soluble Fiber Content: Fenugreek seeds are rich in soluble fiber, particularly a type of fiber called galactomannans. Soluble fiber has the ability to bind to cholesterol molecules in the digestive tract, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream. Instead, the bound cholesterol is eliminated from the body through feces.
• Bile Acid Binding: When fenugreek fiber binds to bile acids, the body’s demand for new bile acids increases. To meet this demand, the liver uses more cholesterol to produce additional bile acids, thereby reducing the overall cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Inhibiting Cholesterol Synthesis: Fenugreek may influence the enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. By affecting these enzymes, fenugreek could potentially reduce the body’s production of cholesterol.
• Regulating Blood Sugar: Fenugreek has been linked to improved blood sugar control. High blood sugar levels can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels. By helping to regulate blood sugar, fenugreek contributes to better cholesterol management.

One study found that taking 500 mg of fenugreek extract per day for 12 weeks resulted in a significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol. Another study found that taking 1 gram of fenugreek extract per day for 8 weeks resulted in a decrease in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes.

2. Garlic

Garlic has been used for centuries as both a spice and medicinal herb. The active ingredient in garlic that is responsible for its cholesterol-lowering effects is allicin. Allicin is produced when garlic is crushed or chopped. When allicin is digested, it produces compounds that can help to lower cholesterol by:

• Increasing the production of bile acids, which help to remove cholesterol from the body.
• Blocking the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines.
• Reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver.

One study found that taking 20 grams of garlic and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice daily for eight weeks lowered total cholesterol levels by 40 points. Another study found that taking garlic supplements for more than 2 months could reduce your LDL by up to 10%.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It contains a compound called curcumin, which has been shown to have a number of health benefits,

Curcumin works in a number of ways to lower cholesterol levels such as:

• Inhibiting the production of cholesterol: Curcumin can help to inhibit the production of cholesterol in the liver. This results in a decrease in the amount of cholesterol that is released into the bloodstream.
• Increasing the breakdown of cholesterol: Curcumin can help to increase the breakdown of cholesterol by the liver. This results in a decrease in the amount of cholesterol that is circulating in the bloodstream.
• Increasing the excretion of cholesterol: Curcumin can help to increase the excretion of cholesterol from the body through the bile and urine. This results in a decrease in the amount of cholesterol that is stored in the body.
• Reducing inflammation: Curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a major risk factor for heart disease, and reducing inflammation can help to lower cholesterol levels.
• Protecting the liver: Curcumin can help to protect the liver from damage caused by high cholesterol levels. This can help to improve the liver's ability to remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.

A 2017 study found that curcumin supplementation (the active ingredient in turmeric) was associated with a significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) levels. Curcumin supplementation was also associated with a small increase in HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels.

4. Bitter Gourd

Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon or karela, is a popular vegetable that contains several compounds that have been shown to have cholesterol-lowering effects. These compounds include charantin, momordicoside, vicine, and momordicin.

Here are some of the ways that bitter gourd can lower cholesterol:

• It contains compounds that inhibit the production of cholesterol: Bitter gourd contains compounds called charantin and momordicoside, which have been shown to inhibit the production of cholesterol in the liver.
• It increases the excretion of cholesterol: Bitter gourd can help to increase the excretion of cholesterol from the body. This is done through a process called bile acid sequestration. Bile acids are substances that help to digest fat. Bitter gourd can bind to bile acids and prevent them from being reabsorbed by the body. This forces the body to produce more bile acids, which in turn uses up cholesterol.
• It reduces inflammation: Inflammation is a major risk factor for high cholesterol. Bitter gourd has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels.

One study found that taking a water-soluble extract of bitter gourd for 8 weeks resulted in a significant decrease in LDL cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol. Another study found that eating bitter gourd juice for 12 weeks resulted in a decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

5. Artichoke

Artichoke contains several compounds that have been shown to have cholesterol-lowering effects. These compounds include cynarins, flavonoids, luteolin, and chlorogenic acid.

Here are some of the ways that artichoke can lower cholesterol:

• It increases bile production: Artichoke leaf extract has been shown to increase bile production in the liver. Bile is a fluid that helps to digest fat, and it also helps to remove cholesterol from the body.
• It inhibits cholesterol absorption: Artichoke leaf extract has also been shown to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines. This is because it contains compounds that bind to cholesterol and prevent it from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
• It reduces inflammation: Inflammation is a major risk factor for high cholesterol. Artichoke leaf extract has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels.

One study found that taking a water-soluble extract of artichoke for 8 weeks resulted in a significant decrease in LDL cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol. Another study found that eating artichoke hearts for 12 weeks significantly decreased triglyceride levels by 18%.

6. Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that your body produces naturally. It is found in every cell in your body and decreases as you age. They are also lower in people with certain conditions, such as heart disease, and in those who take cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins.

Here are some of the mechanisms by which CoQ10 may help lower cholesterol:

• Increases the breakdown of LDL cholesterol: CoQ10 is involved in the production of ubiquinol, which is a form of CoQ10 that is more easily absorbed by cells. Ubiquinol can help to increase the breakdown of LDL cholesterol by the liver.
• Reduces the production of cholesterol: CoQ10 may help to reduce the production of cholesterol by the liver. This is because CoQ10 is involved in the electron transport chain, which is a series of reactions that produce energy in cells. When CoQ10 levels are low, the electron transport chain is less efficient and the liver produces more cholesterol to make up for the lack of energy.
• Increases the absorption of HDL cholesterol: HDL cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol that helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. CoQ10 may help to increase the absorption of HDL cholesterol by cells.

One study revealed that CoQ10 supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TGs) and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C).

7. Fish Oil

Fish oil is a type of oil extracted from the tissues of oily fish. It is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own.

Here are some of the mechanisms by which fish oil may help lower cholesterol:

• Reduces the production of LDL cholesterol: Fish oil contains two types of omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids can compete with cholesterol for enzymes in the liver, which are needed to produce LDL cholesterol. This can lead to a decrease in LDL cholesterol production.
• Increases the breakdown of LDL cholesterol: Fish oil can also help to increase the breakdown of LDL cholesterol by the liver. This is because fish oil can increase the production of bile acids, which are needed to break down LDL cholesterol.
• Increases the absorption of HDL cholesterol: HDL cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol that helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. Fish oil can help to increase the absorption of HDL cholesterol by cells.

A 2017 study found that fish oil supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in triglycerides (TG) levels. However, the review found no significant effect of fish oil on total cholesterol (TC) or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.

8. Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice is made by fermenting rice with a type of mold called Monascus purpureus. This mold produces compounds called monacolins, which have been shown to have cholesterol-lowering effects. One of the most important monacolins in red yeast rice is monacolin K. Monacolin K is chemically identical to lovastatin, a prescription drug used to lower cholesterol. 

Red yeast rice works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is essential for the production of cholesterol in the liver. This results in a decrease in the production of LDL cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol. Red yeast rice can also help to increase the breakdown of LDL cholesterol by the liver.

There have been many studies that have shown that red yeast rice can help to lower cholesterol levels. One study found that the extract of red yeast rice (RYR) is one of the most effective cholesterol-lowering nutraceuticals on the market.

9. Green Tea

Green tea is a popular supplement that contains a compound called EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), a type of polyphenol. EGCG has been shown to have a number of beneficial effects on cholesterol levels, including:

• Inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol from the gut: EGCG can bind to cholesterol in the gut and prevent it from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
• Increasing the breakdown of LDL cholesterol: EGCG can help to increase the breakdown of LDL cholesterol by the liver.
• Increasing the production of HDL cholesterol: HDL cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol that helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. EGCG can help to increase the production of HDL cholesterol.

One study found that taking a green tea extract supplement for 8 weeks resulted in a decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

10. Hawthorn

Hawthorn is a flowering shrub that has been known for its heart-healthy benefits. The shrub contains compounds like Procyanidins (can help to protect the lining of blood vessels and improve blood flow), Flavonoids (can help to protect cells from damage), and Triterpenes (can help to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow), and they can help to lower cholesterol levels.

Hawthorn works in a number of ways to lower cholesterol levels and these includes:

• Inhibiting the production of cholesterol: Hawthorn can help to inhibit the production of cholesterol in the liver. This results in a decrease in the amount of cholesterol that is released into the bloodstream.
• Increasing the breakdown of cholesterol: Hawthorn can help to increase the breakdown of cholesterol by the liver. This results in a decrease in the amount of cholesterol that is circulating in the bloodstream.
• Increasing the excretion of cholesterol: Hawthorn can help to increase the excretion of cholesterol from the body through the bile and urine. This results in a decrease in the amount of cholesterol that is stored in the body.
• Protecting the liver: Hawthorn can help to protect the liver from damage caused by high cholesterol levels. This can help to improve the liver's ability to remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.There have been a number of studies that have shown that hawthorn can help to lower cholesterol levels. One study found that taking a hawthorn extract supplement for 12 weeks resulted in a significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol. Another study found that drinking hawthorn tea for 8 weeks resulted in a decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

One study found that 450mg dose of hawthorn extract, taken twice daily for 12 weeks, resulted in significant decrease in total cholesterol 10.7% and LDL 18.67%, and an increase in HDL 8.13%.

Ready to Take a Supplement?

These supplements are safe and effective, and they can help you achieve and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Remember, high cholesterol is a serious health condition that can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

If you have any concerns about taking any of the herbal supplements for high cholesterol, talk to your doctor first. They can help you make the best decision for your individual health. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you'll also want to go over any supplements with your doctor before you start taking them.

The information contained in this post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a doctor or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.