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Effect of activated charcoal on hypercholesterolaemia
Lancet (London, England)
|August 16, 1986
Summary
Activated charcoal effectively lowered high cholesterol levels in patients. This dietary supplement significantly reduced total and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol, with minimal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Hypercholesterolemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
- Current treatments for hypercholesterolemia have limitations and potential side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of activated charcoal in managing hypercholesterolemia.
- To assess the impact of activated charcoal on lipid profiles.
Main Methods:
- A 4-week treatment study involving seven patients with hypercholesterolemia.
- Patients received activated charcoal at a dosage of 8 grams, three times daily.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in plasma total cholesterol by 25%.
- Marked decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 41%.
- A notable increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol by 8%.
Conclusions:
- Activated charcoal demonstrates significant potential as a therapeutic agent for hypercholesterolemia.
- The treatment showed a favorable lipid-modifying profile with negligible adverse effects.