Lipid Lowering Botanicals and Nutraceuticals
| Herb/Nutrient | Action | Dose |
| Niacin | Inhibits liver formation of LDL cholesterol Can be used as a detoxification agent | 3 g daily. Causes flushing (a non-toxic release of histamine), but taking it with food decreases this; taking it in 500 mg increments every 3 days (up to 3 g) can also decrease flushing. |
| Inositol hexaniacinate | Inhibits liver formation of LDL cholesterol | 3 g daily. Does not flush. More expensive than niacin. |
| Garcinia cambogia(Garcinia) | Extract lowers cholesterol, increases HDL, and curbs the appetite. | Extract containing 500 mg hydroxycitric acid tid |
| Commiphora mukul(Guggul) | Considered the best botanical medicine for lowering high cholesterol in Ayurvedic medicineActive ingredient guggulsterone increases the uptake of LDL cholesterol from the blood by the liver | 500 mg tid of a 5% guggulsterone extract (equivalent of 25 mg guggulsterone t.i.d.) |
| Cynara scolymus(Globe Artichoke) | Liver support, increases HDL, decreases LDL, increases bile production | 1-4 g tid (root) or 500 mg t.i.d. of 12:1 extract |
| Red Yeast Extract | Decreases cholesterol formation within the cell Naturally contains the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor mevinolin found in LovastatinClinically effective in reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels and free of the troubling side-effects of ‘statin’ drugs, such as elevated liver enzymes, lowered circulating CoQ10 levels, and serious muscle diseases. | 1 gram daily |
| Nopal opuntia(Prickly Pear Cactus) | >Lowers lipids, lowers glucose (only if high), lowers insulin levels in hyperinsulinemia patients (excellent choice for Syndrome X) >High fiber content decreases cholesterol absorption | 3 tablespoons (15 g) of nectar |
| Policosanol | A derivative of sugar cane containing 24-34 carbon alcohols that inhibit hepatic cholesterol synthesis and increase the degradation of LDL | 20-40 mg daily has shown to be effective in studies done in Cuba; however, it has been very disappointing in clinical practice with my colleagues |
| Soy Protein | Lowers cholesterol | 30-50 g per day, especially in post-menopausal women |
| Turmeric | Increases HDL, decreases LDL, decreases oxidation of cholesterol, increases liver function and is an antioxidant |
- Inhibiting Cholesterol Oxidation
Agents that inhibit cholesterol oxidation, an essential step in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque, may play a role in CVD prevention. Oxidation of cholesterol is essential in the creation of plaque build up. - Flavanoids: Inhibition of cholesterol oxidation is believed to account for the “French Paradox” — high saturated fat consumption without a marked increase in cardiovascular disease. Flavanoids, strong antioxidants found in red wine, may be partially responsible. However, one need not consume red wine to get these benefits. Flavanoids are also found in green tea, extra virgin olive oil, and dark pigmented berries such as blueberries, red grapes, strawberries etc. These foods are especially recommended for those patients with a history of CVD.
- Vitamins: Inhibit oxidation. Effects are immediate.
Vitamin E: 400-800 IU daily
Vitamin C: 5 grams daily. - Oral EDTA: 2-4 grams daily. Decreases plaque build-up. Effects are gradual over a period of months.
- IV EDTA Chelation: 1.5 -3 grams daily. Decrease plaque build-up. Effects are gradual over a period of months.
Increasing Metabolism
For euthyroid and/or hypothyroid patients, there may be a need to increase metabolism with botanicals and nutraceuticals. - Lithyronine: (T3) 7.5 mcg incremental dosing WTS protocol
- Armour: 1-6 grains daily (simpler to use than WTS protocol; however, not restorative and patients rarely get their temperature back to normal)
- Herbal Support: Guggul, Blue Flag, Kelp
- Tyrosine: 2 g daily
Treating Associated Low Thyroid
Since hypercholesterolemia is often a secondary effect of low thyroid function or Wilsons Temperature Syndrome, cholesterol levels often drop from even high levels in the 300 range down to normal range after 6 weeks of normal temperatures on WT3 therapy and/or other thyroid support. One patient had cholesterol levels in the low 300′s in spite of being treated with several different cholesterol lowering drugs and following a strict diet. With proper WT3 therapy and the ensuing normalization of her body temperature pattern, her symptoms of WTS resolved. Within 1.5 months, her blood cholesterol levels had dropped below 200 for the first time in years despite the fact that she had not taken her cholesterol-lowering drugs during that 1.5-month period.Treating Associated Cardiovascular Disease
Alongside correction of dyslipidemia, vitamin B-12, B-6, folic acid, and other nutrients that reduce the inflammatory process have a role in CVD prevention.Prognosis
Most patients with lipid disorders respond well to a naturopathic program.
