Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Influence of Emotional Factors on the Efficacy of Acupuncture Treatment for Overweight Complicated with Hyperlipidemia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
03:05

Influence of Emotional Factors on the Efficacy of Acupuncture Treatment for Overweight Complicated with Hyperlipidemia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Published on: November 21, 2025

Relation between Body Humors and Hypercholesterolemia: An Iranian Traditional Medicine Perspective Based on the

M Emtiazy1, M Keshavarz, M Khodadoost

  • 1School of Iranian Traditional Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal
|June 28, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Iranian traditional medicine suggests stomach and liver health are key to managing high cholesterol. This pilot study explored traditional views on hypercholesterolemia, focusing on digestive organ function.

Area of Science:

  • Integrative Medicine
  • Traditional Persian Medicine
  • Cardiovascular Health

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of global mortality.
  • Hyperlipidemia, particularly high serum cholesterol, is a major risk factor.
  • Effective management of hypercholesterolemia is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore traditional Iranian medicine perspectives on hypercholesterolemia.
  • To investigate the role of digestive organs in managing high cholesterol according to traditional texts.
  • To inform potential complementary approaches for hypercholesterolemia management.

Main Methods:

  • Review of classical Iranian traditional medicine resources and literature.
  • Design and execution of a pilot study involving 10 patients with high plasma cholesterol.
  • Assessment of signs and symptoms related to gastric and hepatic function in participants.

Main Results:

  • All patients in the pilot study exhibited gastric temperament.
  • A subset of patients also presented with hepatic temperament.
  • Findings suggest a link between digestive organ temperaments and hypercholesterolemia in this cohort.

Conclusions:

  • Traditional Iranian medicine emphasizes the critical role of digestive organs, especially the stomach and liver, in hypercholesterolemia.
  • Proper stomach function is highlighted as a foundational element in the digestive process and cholesterol regulation.
  • Further research into traditional approaches for managing high cholesterol is warranted.
Abstract

Keywords:
DigestionHypercholesterolemiaIranian Traditional medicineLiverStomach

Related Concept Videos

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements01:18

Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements

Lipids are an essential component of a balanced human diet. Triglycerides, which make up the majority of dietary lipids, are found in both saturated fats—commonly present in meat, dairy products, and certain tropical plants like coconut, and hydrogenated oils such as margarine and baking shortenings (trans fats)—and unsaturated fats, which are abundant in seeds, nuts, olive oil, and most vegetable oils. The main sources of cholesterol include egg yolks, various meats and organ meats, shellfish,...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder01:26

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder

Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...