Natural products for controlling hyperlipidemia: review

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Hyperlipidemia, characterized by abnormal lipid levels, is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
• Elevated total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol, along with decreased HDL-cholesterol, define hyperlipidemia.
• There is increasing interest in natural products for health maintenance and disease prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on natural products with lipid-lowering properties.
• To elucidate the mechanisms by which these natural products reduce lipid levels.
• To highlight the potential of dietary plants in managing hyperlipidemia.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on natural products and their effects on lipid metabolism.
• Analysis of research investigating cholesterol absorption inhibition.
• Examination of studies on cholesterol synthesis inhibition and antioxidant mechanisms of natural compounds.

Main Results:

• Various natural products demonstrate cholesterol-lowering effects.
• Identified mechanisms include inhibition of cholesterol absorption and synthesis.
• Antioxidant properties of natural products also contribute to lipid management.

Conclusions:

• Natural products show significant potential for managing hyperlipidemia.
• Dietary plants offer a safe and effective strategy for lowering plasma cholesterol.
• Further research into natural product mechanisms can inform therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular health.