H&N HERBS' Cholesterol formula comprises ingredients (policosanol, phytosterols, and guglipid) clinically proven to reduce cholesterol levels in humans. Research showed Policosanol from sugar-cane is effective at reducing cholesterol levels, and reducing cardiac risk factors by inhibiting platelet aggregation, and inhibiting the development of atherosclerosis. A 2002 study published in the American Heart Journal reviewed numerous clinical trials of sugar-cane derived Policosanol that involved more than 3000 patients, and concluded that Policosanol is a very promising phytochemical alternative to classic lipid-lowering agents such as statins. In one study, patients who took a daily dose of 10 mg of Policosanol experienced a 17% drop in total cholesterol, a 25.6% drop in LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), and a 28.4% rise in HDL cholesterol (good). Phytosterols (plant sterols) are the counterparts of the animal product cholesterol. Structurally, Phytosterols resemble cholesterol, but they differ markedly in their intestinal absorption, and metabolic fate. Unlike cholesterol, Phytosterols are either not absorbed or minimally absorbed in the digestive tract of humans. Because of their ability to block dietary cholesterol absorption, Phytostrols can lower cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that daily intake of Phytosterols can lower cholesterol levels by an average of 10% to 14%. The National Cholesterol Educational Panel issued a recommendation in 2001 that Phytosterols be added to cholesterol-lowering regimens, along with the more traditional cholesterol-fighting measures, such as regular exercise, weight loss, and a low-fat diet. Gugulipid is a well known ancient remedy to lower cholesterol. Gugulipid is derived from the resin of the mukul myrrh tree (Commiphora mukul), native to India. A 1989 study of 125 patients receiving Gugulipids reported an 11% reduction in total cholesterol and a decrease of 16.8% in triglycerides, and a 60% increase in HDL levels (Journal of Associated Physicians-India, 1989, 37[5]:328). *The FDA has not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. |