Alternatives to Statin therapy - beyond diet and exercise modification, there ar

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For those seeking alternatives to statin therapy - beyond diet and exercise

modification, there are several viable options.

http://holistic-nutrition.suite101.com/article.cfm/healthy_and_natural_alternati\

ves_to_statins

1. Gugulipid

Gum resin from the bark of an Indian herb called Comiphora mukul contains plant

sterols (gugulsterones) which lower cholesterol by:

Decreasing production of cholesterol in the liver

Enhancing metabolism by modulating the effects of thyroid hormones

Decreasing fat absorption in the gastrointestinal tract

Enhancing excretion of cholesterol in bile salts

Stimulates the liver to remove low density lipoproteins (LDL) from blood

Dosage and Toxicity

C mukul resin generally contains about 2.5% gugulsterones with an effective

daily dose being about 25 mg of gugulsterones, three times a day. Beyond

occasional indigestion, little has been reported in the way of adverse effects.

2. Inositol Hexanictinate (Inositol Hexaniacinate)

This novel material is abbreviated IHN and consists of six molecules of niacin

(vitamin B3) attached to one of inositol. Niacin has proven effectiveness in

lower total cholesterol while improving the good HDL portion and thinning the

blood. The drawback is that regular niacin causes flushing, pruritis, nausea,

and may cause liver damage. IHN appears to be just as effective in lowering

cholesterol without the troubling side effects.

Actions of Inositiol Hexanictinate:

Reduction of LDL

Reduction of fat synthesis in the liver

Increase high density lipoproteins (HDL)

Enhances fibrinolysis ( " thins the blood " )

Significantly decreases blood pressure (hyptensive)

Recommended dosages of IHN for addressing elevated cholesterol range from 400mg

to 4 grams per day but generally tend towards 400 mg 3-4 times daily. Liver

enzymes should be checked every couple of months for the first year. No adverse

effects have been reported with IHN but due to the nature of niacin it is

contraindicated in those with liver conditions or on blood thinners.

Several herbs and materials deserve honorary mention:

Artichoke Leaf

Garlic

Soluble Fiber

Policasanol

Hawthorn Extract (leaves, flowers, and berries)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Especially Krill Oil)

Plant Sterols

Beta-glucans

Red Yeast Rice

While these materials appear to have a promising future, the verdict is still

out regarding use and effectiveness. For instance, while many Cuban studies

exalt plant waxes from sugarcane (policasanol), US studies have failed to

replicate the results. Red yeast rice is a product of fermentation with the

microorganism Monascus purpureus and lowers cholesterol quite well. So well that

the pharmaceutical industry analyzed and then derived the first statin,

lovastatin (Mevacor) from it. They then lobbied the United States government to

designate it a drug, making the purchase of " real " red yeast rice illegal.

Supplementary References

Katzung BG, Katzung, Bertram G. Basic and clinical pharmacology [internet]. New

York: McGraw-Hill Medical Publishing Division; 2006. [cited 2009 Apr 8 ]

Available from: http://www.medicinenet.com/niacin/article.htm

Poon, I. O., D. S. Chow, et al. (2006). " Dissolution profiles of nonprescription

extended-release niacin and inositol niacinate products. " Am J Health Syst Pharm

63(21): 2128-34.

Singh, R. B., M. A. Niaz, et al. (1994). " Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects

of Commiphora mukul as an adjunct to dietary therapy in patients with

hypercholesterolemia. " Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 8(4): 659-64.