Cholestrien TM

Scientific Profile Of Active Ingredients

Red Yeast Rice

Red Yeast Rice has been used in China for centuries as both a food and as a medicinal substance. It is made by fermenting a type of yeast called Monascus purpureus over red rice. In Chinese medicine, red yeast rice is used to promote blood circulation, soothe upset stomach, and invigorate the function of the spleen, a body organ that destroys old blood cells and filters foreign substances. In addition, this dietary supplement has been used traditionally for bruised muscles, hangovers, indigestion, and colic in infants. Recently, it has been discovered that red yeast rice contains substances that are similar to prescription medications that lower cholesterol. There is also growing interest in evaluating red yeast rice for use as a natural food dye and/or preservative.

The mechanism of the hypolipidemic activity of red yeast rice is not entirely clear. The possible hypocholesterolemic activity of red yeast rice can be accounted for, in part, by the presence of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, especially monacolin I (lovastatin, mevinolin) and its corresponding beta-hydroxy acid, monacolin II. Lovastatin is converted in the body to its corresponding beta-hydroxy acid, which is the form that inhibits HMG-CoA reductase. HMG-CoA reductase catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, which is an early and rate limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. Lovastatin is known to lower plasma total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), the total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio and the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. Lovastatin may also produce a modest increase in HDL-cholesterol and modest decreases in VLDL-C and triglyceride levels in some.

LDL is formed from VLDL and is principally catabolized via the high affinity LDL receptor. Lovastatin's mechanism in lowering LDL appears to also involve reduction of VLDL-C levels and upregulation of the LDL receptor, resulting in reduced production of LDL-C, as well as increased catabolism of LDL-C.

Policosanol is a nutritional supplement extracted from sugar cane wax. Its main component is a mixture of higher primary aliphatic alcohols known as octacosanol. The mixture has been shown to lower cholesterol in animal models, healthy volunteers, and patients with type II hypercholesterolemia.

Cholesterol-Lowering Effects
Policosanol has been shown to be equally effective as Zocor® or Pravachol® at lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol levels. Additionally, in a study with 85 patients, policosanol was shown to produce significant cholesterol-lowering effects without causing any serious adverse reactions in various short- and long-term studies. The profound cholesterol-lowering benefits of policosanol may be apparent in as little as 6 to 8 weeks?with modest, beneficial effects resulting after this time period. According to a recent scientific review, 20mg of policosanol per day for 8 weeks yields the following average results:

• Lower total cholesterol levels by 21%

• Lower LDL levels, or ?bad? cholesterol, by 29%

• Increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, or ?good? cholesterol, by 15%

Secondary Cardiovascular Benefits
Not only has policosanol been demonstrated as an effective lipid-lowering supplement, but it has also been shown to improve other predictive markers of cardiovascular risk. By supporting the function and integrity of the endothelium (blood vessel lining), policosanol may assist in the prevention of atherosclerosis. In addition, policosanol has also been shown to reduce blood pressure levels, which may be of particular importance in older populations wherein concomitant hypercholesterolemia and hypertension are more frequent. Specifically, policosanol has been shown to provide the following additional cardiovascular benefits:

• Prevent Lipid Peroxidation of LDL. Oxidized LDL cholesterol can contribute to hardening of the arteries. Policosanol was shown to prevent LDL oxidation in vitro, suggesting it may support blood vessel elasticity and flexibility.

• Inhibit Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation. Accelerated smooth muscle cell proliferation is thought to be a primary factor in the development of atherosclerotic plaque. In experimental models, policosanol was shown to significantly reduce smooth muscle cell proliferation, suggesting it may have a protective effect on the arterial wall.

• Inhibit Platelet Aggregation. Excessive platelet aggregation can lead to the formation of blood clots and increased cardiovascular risk. Research on humans suggests that policosanol inhibits platelet aggregation, possibly by reducing the formation of thromboxane A2?a potent inducer of platelet aggregation?and increasing the production of prostacyclin, which is a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation.

• May Help to Lower Blood Pressure. Elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels often coexist. Human research suggests that policosanol may help to lower systolic blood pressure levels, which may be of particular importance in the elderly.
  

Guggul exhibits a cholesterol lowering ability unlike any other natural substance. In human trials, using gugulipid, the cholesterol levels dropped 14 to 27 percent in a 4 to 12 week period while the triglyceride levels dropped from 22 to 30 percent. This guggul has great effect in preventing heart atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the arteries.