Condition

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol means too much LDL, the so-called bad cholesterol, is circulating in the blood, made by the liver and absorbed from food, which raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. The evidence is strongest for black seed oil and bergamot, where reviews found LDL cholesterol fell, in some cases by a large amount. Studies varied in size, and reviews of oat beta-glucan mainly found better blood sugar.

Sources: PMID 33608654; PMID 26001090

Supplements studied: 71
Graded outcomes: 89
Trials: 155
People studied: 95,263

Evidence by supplement

Strong
Moderate
Limited
Very limited

71 supplements

Beta-glucans

Beta-glucans: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	3 studies	603 people
Studies that measured blood glucose A systematic review and meta-analysis of beta-glucan consumption on glycemic control in hypercholesterolemic individuals.Int J Food Sci Nutr · PMID 26001090 The effect of oat β-glucan on postprandial blood glucose and insulin responses: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Eur J Clin Nutr · PMID 33608654 Effect of Oat β-Glucan Intake on Glycaemic Control and Insulin Sensitivity of Diabetic Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Nutrients · PMID 26771637
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			603 people

Triphala (Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica)

Triphala (Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica): outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Lipid Profile Improvement Systematic review (12 studies, n=749): Six studies showed significant reductions in LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. 12-month trial in T2DM patients: Triphala 5g twice daily significantly reduced lipid levels (p<0.05). Mechanism involves inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase and enhancement of bile acid excretion.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect

Citrus Bergamot (Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction)

LDL Cholesterol Reduction: improves
Total Cholesterol Reduction: improves
Triglyceride Reduction: improves

Citrus Bergamot (Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction): outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size
LDL Cholesterol Reduction Systematic review (12 studies): 75% showed significant LDL-C decreases of 7.6-40.8%. Network meta-analysis of phytochemicals: Bergamot most effective for LDL reduction. Mechanism via HMG-CoA reductase inhibition by melitidin and brutieridin, structurally similar to statin HMG component.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect
Total Cholesterol Reduction Systematic review: Total cholesterol decreased 12.3-31.3% across studies. Network meta-analysis ranked bergamot as most effective phytochemical for TC reduction. Multiple RCTs confirm significant reductions vs placebo at doses 150-1500mg/day for 30 days to 12 weeks.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect
Triglyceride Reduction Systematic review: Triglycerides decreased 11.5-39.5% across included studies. Effect appears dose-dependent. Network meta-analysis confirmed bergamot's efficacy for TG reduction compared to other nutraceuticals.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect
HDL Cholesterol Increase Systematic review: 8 of 12 studies reported significant HDL-C improvements. Results varied with some showing no change and others noting 1-6.5% reductions. Network meta-analysis found bergamot increased HDL compared to other phytochemicals.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect

Black Seed Oil

LDL Cholesterol: improves
Total Cholesterol: improves
Triglycerides: improves

Black Seed Oil: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	People
LDL Cholesterol Meta-analysis (2024): Large LDL-C reduction (SMD -2.45, 95% CI -3.06 to -1.85, p<0.001). T2DM meta-analysis: LDL reduced by -19.53 mg/dL (p=0.003).	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	2,278 people
Total Cholesterol Meta-analysis: Significant TC reduction (SMD -1.78, 95% CI -2.20 to -1.37, p<0.001). T2DM meta-analysis: TC reduced by -18.80 mg/dL (p=0.04).	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect	2,278 people
Triglycerides Meta-analysis: Significant TG reduction (SMD -1.27, 95% CI -1.67 to -0.83, p<0.001). Oil form more effective than powder.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	2,278 people

Whey Protein

Blood glucose
Insulin: changes; see studies
Weight: improves

Whey Protein: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Mixed effect		1 study	890 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effects of a whey protein supplementation on intrahepatocellular lipids in obese female patientsClin Nutr · PMID 21288612
	Insulin	Changes; see studies	7 studies	471 people
Studies that measured insulin Whey and casein labeled with L-1-13Cleucine and muscle protein synthesis: effect of resistance exercise and protein ingestionAm J Physiol Endocrinol Metab · PMID 21045172 Whey protein but not soy protein supplementation alters body weight and composition in free-living overweight and obese adultsJ Nutr · PMID 21677076 Effects of whey protein isolate on body composition, lipids, insulin and glucose in overweight and obese individualsBr J Nutr · PMID 20377924 and 4 more on the Whey Protein page
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)	4 studies	70 people
Studies that measured weight Effect of whey protein supplementation on weight and body composition indicators: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Clin Nutr ESPEN · PMID 35871954 Changes in antioxidant status and cardiovascular risk factors of overweight young men after six weeks supplementation of whey protein isolate and resistance trainingAppetite · PMID 22889987 Efficacy and Safety of Whey Protein Supplements on Vital Sign and Physical Performance Among Athletes: A Network Meta-Analysis.Front Pharmacol · PMID 31068804 and 1 more on the Whey Protein page
	Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)	2 studies	70 people
Studies that measured body fat The effects of a higher protein intake during energy restriction on changes in body composition and physical function in older womenJ Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci · PMID 21798863 Effect of Whey Protein Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nutrients · PMID 36235862
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)	2 studies	935 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) Effects of whey protein on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome and related conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.Lipids Health Dis · PMID 32958070 The effect of whey protein on the components of metabolic syndrome in overweight and obese individuals; a systematic review and meta-analysis.Diabetes Metab Syndr · PMID 31790966
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)	1 study	1,000 people
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)	1 study	70 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		874 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		904 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		879 people

Psyllium

Blood glucose: improves
Carbohydrate Absorption: improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves

Psyllium: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	148 people
Studies that measured blood glucose The effect of psyllium on fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, HOMA IR, and insulin control: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.BMC Endocr Disord · PMID 38844885
	Carbohydrate Absorption Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		20 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	3,810 people
Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl) Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period crossover clinical trial of psyllium fiber in children with hypercholesterolemiaJ Pediatr · PMID 8391569 Therapeutic effects of psyllium in type 2 diabetic patientsEur J Clin Nutr · PMID 12209371 Lipid- and glucose-lowering efficacy of Plantago Psyllium in type II diabetesJ Diabetes Complications · PMID 9747644 and 2 more on the Psyllium page
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	1,758 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol Cholesterol-lowering effects of soluble-fiber cereals as part of a prudent diet for patients with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemiaAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 2173390 The effects of psyllium on lipoproteins in type II diabetic patientsEur J Clin Nutr · PMID 19623196 Galactomannans are the most effective soluble dietary fibers in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.Am J Clin Nutr · PMID 36811560
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	128 people
Studies that measured weight Psyllium is a natural nonfermented gel-forming fiber that is effective for weight loss: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis.J Am Assoc Nurse Pract · PMID 37163454 Comparative effects of nutraceuticals on body weight in adults with overweight or obesity: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of 111 randomized clinical trials.Pharmacol Res · PMID 37778464 Influence of sibutramine, orlistat and Ispaghula in reducing body weight and total body fat content in obese individualsJ Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad · PMID 20524467
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	20 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	1,845 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			20 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,866 people
	Uric Acid	Improves (the measure goes down)			20 people

Hesperidin

Apolipoprotein B: improves
Blood glucose
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves

Hesperidin: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Apolipoprotein B Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		65 people
	Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect	2 studies	705 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Hesperidin contributes to the vascular protective effects of orange juice: a randomized crossover study in healthy volunteersAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 21068346 Hesperidin supplementation has no effect on blood glucose control: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.Br J Clin Pharmacol · PMID 31489695
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	525 people
Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl) The effects of hesperidin supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.Front Nutr · PMID 37502716 Glucosyl hesperidin lowers serum triglyceride level in hypertriglyceridemic subjects through the improvement of very low-density lipoprotein metabolic abnormalityJ Nutr Sci Vitaminol · PMID 16521708 Effects of glucosyl hesperidin on serum lipids in hyperlipidemic subjects: preferential reduction in elevated serum triglyceride levelJ Nutr Sci Vitaminol · PMID 15386934 and 1 more on the Hesperidin page
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	525 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol Citrus polyphenol hesperidin stimulates production of nitric oxide in endothelial cells while improving endothelial function and reducing inflammatory markers in patients with metabolic syndromeJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 21346065 Hesperidin, a major flavonoid in orange juice, might not affect lipid profile and blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trialsPhytother Res · PMID 30632207
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			338 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			569 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			302 people
	LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)			25 people
	Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			25 people
	TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			241 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			569 people
	Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			116 people
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			457 people

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Total cholesterol: improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		741 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	741 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol Effect of omega-3 supplementation on lipid profile in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Nutr J · PMID 36765362
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			435 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			848 people

Saffron

Blood glucose: improves
Depression Symptoms: improves
Blood Pressure: improves

Saffron: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	6 studies	144 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effects of Crocus sativus on glycemic control and cardiometabolic parameters among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Nutr Metab · PMID 38796446 The effect of hydroalcoholic Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) extract on fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, liver, and renal function tests in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double-blind clinical trialPhytother Res · PMID 30942510 Effects of Cinnamon, Cardamom, Saffron, and Ginger Consumption on Markers of Glycemic Control, Lipid Profile, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes PatientsRev Diabet Stud · PMID 26177486 and 3 more on the Saffron page
	Depression Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		18 studies	40 people
Studies that measured depression symptoms Crocus Sativus L. (saffron) versus sertraline on symptoms of depression among older people with major depressive disorders-a double-blind, randomized intervention studyPsychiatry Res · PMID 31669837 Saffron improved depression and reduced homocysteine level in patients with major depression: A Randomized, double-blind studyAvicenna J Phytomed · PMID 29387573 Crocus sativus L. (petal) in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trialPhytomedicine · PMID 16979327 and 15 more on the Saffron page
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	54 people
Studies that measured blood pressure Protective properties of the aqueous extract of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in ischemic stroke, randomized clinical trialJ Ethnopharmacol · PMID 30914350 The effects of saffron supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysisFront Nutr · PMID 36570145 An evaluation of the effects of saffron supplementation on the asthma clinical symptoms and asthma severity in patients with mild and moderate persistent allergic asthma: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trialRespir Res · PMID 30795753
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	144 people
Studies that measured weight Satiereal, a Crocus sativus L extract, reduces snacking and increases satiety in a randomized placebo-controlled study of mildly overweight, healthy womenNutr Res · PMID 20579522 A placebo controlled randomized clinical trial of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) on depression and food craving among overweight women with mild to moderate depressionJ Clin Pharm Ther · PMID 31602695 Effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on anthropometric and cardiometabolic indices in overweight and obese patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Phytother Res · PMID 35866520
	TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	90 people
Studies that measured tnf-alpha Effects of saffron on homocysteine, and antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized double-blind clinical trialAvicenna J Phytomed · PMID 31516857 The effect of saffron supplement on clinical outcomes and metabolic profiles in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trialPhytother Res · PMID 32048365
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	184 people
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	90 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	184 people
	Intraocular Pressure	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	50 people
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	90 people
	Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			90 people
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			144 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			90 people
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			90 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			184 people
	Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			90 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			94 people
	Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			144 people

Flaxseed

Blood glucose: improves
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
Triglycerides: improves

Flaxseed: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	3 studies	309 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Flaxseed supplementation on glucose control and insulin sensitivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 randomized, placebo-controlled trials.Nutr Rev · PMID 29228348 Flaxseed supplementation significantly reduces hemoglobin A1c in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutr Res · PMID 36640581 Effect of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation on glycemic control and insulin resistance in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Complement Ther Med · PMID 35843472
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	309 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) Effects of Flaxseed Interventions on Circulating Inflammatory Biomarkers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Adv Nutr · PMID 31115436 Effect of flaxseed supplementation on markers of inflammation and endothelial function: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Cytokine · PMID 31739218 Effects of flaxseed supplementation on weight loss, lipid profiles, glucose, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in patients with coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Clin Cardiol · PMID 38269632 and 1 more on the Flaxseed page
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	1,539 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Meta-analysis of the effects of flaxseed interventions on blood lipidsAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 19515737 Effects of Flaxseed on Blood Lipids in Healthy and Dyslipidemic Subjects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Curr Probl Cardiol · PMID 34384619 Effect of flaxseed supplementation on lipid profile: An updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of sixty-two randomized controlled trials.Pharmacol Res · PMID 31899314
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			1,539 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,539 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,539 people

Vitamin C

Blood glucose: improves
HbA1c: improves
Triglycerides: improves

Vitamin C: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	3 studies	216 people
Studies that measured blood glucose High-dose oral vitamin C partially replenishes vitamin C levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes and low vitamin C levels but does not improve endothelial dysfunction or insulin resistanceAm J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol · PMID 16126809 Megadose of vitamin C delays insulin response to a glucose challenge in normoglycemic adultsAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 7942581 FFA-induced endothelial dysfunction can be corrected by vitamin CJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 12050273
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		9 studies	216 people
Studies that measured hba1c Ascorbic acid supplementation improves skeletal muscle oxidative stress and insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes: Findings of a randomized controlled studyFree Radic Biol Med · PMID 26774673 Vitamin C may have similar beneficial effects to Gemfibrozil on serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in type 2 diabetic patientsJ Res Pharm Pract · PMID 25328896 Supplementation of vitamin C reduces blood glucose and improves glycosylated hemoglobin in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double-blind studyAdv Pharmacol Sci · PMID 22242019 and 6 more on the Vitamin C page
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	216 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Effect of vitamin C on inflammation and metabolic markers in hypertensive and/or diabetic obese adults: a randomized controlled trialDrug Des Devel Ther · PMID 26170625 Does short-term vitamin C reduce cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes?Endocr Pract · PMID 23757614 Effects of atorvastatin and vitamin C on forearm hyperaemic blood flow, asymmentrical dimethylarginine levels and the inflammatory process in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusHeart · PMID 16914485 and 2 more on the Vitamin C page
	Inflammation	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	941 people
Studies that measured inflammation Prolonged vitamin C supplementation and recovery from eccentric exerciseEur J Appl Physiol · PMID 15024666 Effect of ascorbic acid on inflammatory markers after cardiothoracic surgeryAm J Health Syst Pharm · PMID 21856809
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	1,157 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol Influence of quercetin supplementation on disease risk factors in community-dwelling adultsJ Am Diet Assoc · PMID 21443986 Oral vitamin C supplementation decreased low-density lipoprotein in adults on hemodialysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutr Res · PMID 40532258
	Plasma Vitamin C	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	50 people
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			99 people
	Creatinine	Improves (the measure goes up)			65 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			166 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			166 people
	Urea	Improves (the measure goes up)			65 people

Black seed

Blood glucose: improves
Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): changes; see studies

Black seed: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	2 studies	88 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effect of Nigella sativa seeds on the glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusIndian J Physiol Pharmacol · PMID 21675032 supplementation improves cardiometabolic indicators in population with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Nutr · PMID 36034891
	Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		4 studies	88 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol Effects of Nigella sativa on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trialsPhytother Res · 2020 · PMID 32394508 Effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of powdered Nigella sativa (kalonji) seed in capsules on serum lipid levels, blood sugar, blood pressure, and body weight in adults: results of a randomized, double-blind controlled trialJ Altern Complement Med · PMID 19500003 The effect of Nigella sativa Linn. seed on memory, attention and cognition in healthy human volunteersJ Ethnopharmacol · PMID 23707331 and 1 more on the Black seed page
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies		2 studies	88 people
Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl) Effect of Nigella sativa Consumption on Lipid Profile and Glycemic Index in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Curr Med Chem · PMID 38265398 Effect of Nigella sativa oil on various clinical and biochemical parameters of insulin resistance syndromeInt J Diabetes Dev Ctries · PMID 19902033
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	88 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) Clinical evaluation of Nigella sativa seeds for the treatment of hyperlipidemia: a randomized, placebo controlled clinical trialMed Arh · PMID 22822623
	Triglycerides	Changes; see studies			88 people

Inositol

Blood glucose: improves
Weight: improves
Triglycerides: improves

Inositol: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	2 studies	17 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	17 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	17 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			34 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)			17 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			17 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			34 people
Plasmalogens	Improves (the measure goes up)			34 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			17 people

Quercetin

High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
Total cholesterol: improves

Quercetin: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	400 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			400 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			400 people

Pueraria Mirifica

High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Apolipoprotein B: improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves

Pueraria Mirifica: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	17 people
Apolipoprotein B Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		17 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			17 people

Ashwagandha

Blood glucose: improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
Total cholesterol: improves

Ashwagandha: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	12 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			12 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			12 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			12 people

Milk Protein

Blood glucose
Blood Pressure: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

Milk Protein: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Studies	People
Blood glucose Mixed effect		1 study	4,229 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		822 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		76 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		44 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		76 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		76 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		76 people

Resveratrol

Blood Flow: improves
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
Total cholesterol: improves

Resveratrol: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood Flow Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	40 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	40 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	40 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			40 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			40 people

Melatonin

Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile: improves
Blood Pressure: improves
Blood glucose: improves

Melatonin: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	30 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	30 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people
Fibrinogen	Improves (the measure goes up)			30 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			30 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): changes; see studies
Total cholesterol: changes; see studies

Ginger (Zingiber officinale): outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	85 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			85 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies			85 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies			85 people

Artichoke Extract

Blood Flow: improves
Blood glucose
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): changes; see studies

Artichoke Extract: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood Flow Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		18 people
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		116 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies		4 studies	775 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		3 studies	209 people
Cell Adhesion Factors	Changes; see studies			18 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			191 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			116 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies			209 people

Pterostilbene

Blood Pressure: improves
Weight: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

Pterostilbene: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood Pressure Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		80 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	80 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			80 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			80 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			80 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			80 people

Coenzyme Q10

Apolipoprotein A: improves
Blood Pressure: improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves

Coenzyme Q10: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Apolipoprotein A Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		101 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	101 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	153 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	101 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	52 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	153 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	153 people
Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)			101 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			101 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			101 people
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1	Changes; see studies			52 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			153 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			101 people

Soy Lecithin

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Triglycerides: improves

Soy Lecithin: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect		30 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) No effect		NoneNo effect		30 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	30 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people

Perilla

C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves

Perilla: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Moderate Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect		36 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		36 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	36 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			36 people
Plasminogen Inhibitor-1	Improves (the measure goes up)			36 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			36 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			36 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			36 people

Microlactin

Blood Pressure: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Total cholesterol: improves

Microlactin: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood Pressure Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		30 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) No effect		NoneNo effect		30 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	41 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	30 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people

Vitamin D

Body Fat: improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
Weight: improves

Vitamin D: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Body Fat Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		165 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	165 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	165 people
Parathyroid Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	165 people
Metabolic Rate	Improves (the measure goes up)			165 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			165 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			165 people

Chitosan

Total Cholesterol: improves

Chitosan: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Total Cholesterol Meta-analysis: Modest reduction in total cholesterol (5-8%) and LDL. Mechanism via bile acid binding.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		800 people

Tetradecyl Thioacetic Acid

Apolipoprotein B: improves
Cell Adhesion Factors: improves
HbA1c: improves

Tetradecyl Thioacetic Acid: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Apolipoprotein B Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		10 people
Cell Adhesion Factors Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		43 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	10 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	53 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	10 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			10 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			10 people
HIV Viral Load	Improves (the measure goes up)			10 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			10 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			10 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			10 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			53 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			53 people

Guggul

High-density lipoprotein (HDL): worsens
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): worsens
Triglycerides: improves

Guggul: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Small Detriment	Worsens (the measure goes down)	Small effect		137 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) Small Detriment	Worsens (the measure goes up)	Small effect		137 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	137 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			137 people
vLDL-C	Improves (the measure goes down)			103 people

Dill

Glycemic Control: improves
Blood glucose
Total cholesterol: improves

Dill: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Glycemic Control Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		100 people
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		200 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	270 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			270 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			100 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			270 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			270 people

Spirulina

Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile: improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
Total cholesterol: improves

Spirulina: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		78 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	189 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	189 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	88 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	78 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	59 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	78 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	189 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	75 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			189 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			36 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			78 people
vLDL-C	Improves (the measure goes down)			23 people

Berberine

Blood glucose: improves
HbA1c: improves
Total cholesterol: improves

Berberine: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Large Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Large effect		116 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	116 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	13,692 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	116 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	13,576 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	13,692 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			116 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			13,576 people

Bitter Cucumber

Blood glucose: improves
Blood Pressure
Liver Enzymes: changes; see studies

Bitter Cucumber: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		50 people
Blood Pressure No effect		NoneNo effect		50 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies		1 study	50 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		1 study	50 people
HbA1c	Changes; see studies			50 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			50 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies			50 people
Urea	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
Weight	Changes; see studies			50 people

Charcoal

LDL Cholesterol: improves

Charcoal: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	LDL Cholesterol Limited older studies suggest modest cholesterol reduction via bile acid binding. Not considered a primary treatment.	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		100 people

Policosanol

Blood Pressure: improves
Blood Flow
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves

Policosanol: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood Pressure Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		589 people
Blood Flow No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	66 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		10 studies	1,100 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	1,100 people
LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	21 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			1,100 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			828 people

Black Chokeberry

Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
Total cholesterol

Black Chokeberry: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Moderate Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect		25 people
	Total cholesterol No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	25 people

Colostrum

Blood glucose: improves
Ketone Bodies: improves
Total cholesterol: improves

Colostrum: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		16 people
Ketone Bodies	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	16 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			16 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			16 people

Curcumin

Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile: improves
Blood glucose: improves
Triglycerides: improves

Curcumin: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Moderate Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Moderate effect		38 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		18 studies	336 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		9 studies	495 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	38 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	493 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	329 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	483 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies		3 studies	218 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	128 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		2 studies	160 people
Uric Acid	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	48 people
Liver Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	132 people
Apolipoprotein A	Improves (the measure goes up)			80 people
Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)			80 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)			148 people
Cell Adhesion Factors	Improves (the measure goes down)			38 people
Cortisol	Improves (the measure goes down)			80 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			212 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			128 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			493 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			48 people
LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)			48 people
Nitric Oxide	Improves (the measure goes up)			38 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			80 people

Pyruvate

Blood Pressure: improves
Weight: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

Pyruvate: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood Pressure Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		40 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	34 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	74 people
Heart Rate	Improves (the measure goes down)			40 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			74 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			40 people

Krill Oil

High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Total cholesterol: improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves

Krill Oil: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Moderate effect		120 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	120 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			120 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			120 people

Gymnema Sylvestre

Blood glucose: improves
Triglycerides: improves
Blood Pressure: improves

Gymnema Sylvestre: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		113 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	199 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			113 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			113 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			135 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			129 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			129 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			199 people
Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			113 people

Astaxanthin

Adiponectin: improves
Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
Triglycerides: changes; see studies

Astaxanthin: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		61 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		2 studies	61 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		2 studies	61 people
Blood glucose	Changes; see studies		1 study	61 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	61 people
Weight	Changes; see studies		1 study	61 people
Blood Pressure	Changes; see studies			61 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			61 people

Betaine

Apolipoprotein A: improves
Homocysteine: changes; see studies
Fibrinogen: improves

Betaine: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Apolipoprotein A Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		27 people
Homocysteine	Changes; see studies		4 studies	27 people
Fibrinogen	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	27 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		1 study	27 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			27 people
LDL Oxidation	Changes; see studies			27 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			27 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			27 people
Plasminogen Inhibitor-1	Improves (the measure goes up)			27 people

Gamma Oryzanol

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Total cholesterol: improves

Gamma Oryzanol: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	30 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) No effect		NoneNo effect		30 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			30 people

Reishi

Adrenaline
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile: improves
Blood Pressure: improves

Reishi: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adrenaline No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	23 people
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile	Improves (the measure goes up)			23 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			23 people
Dopamine	Improves (the measure goes up)			23 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			23 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)			23 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			23 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			23 people

Vitamin E

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
Total cholesterol: improves

Vitamin E: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	35 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	70 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	35 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	35 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			35 people

Black Cohosh

Blood glucose
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Insulin: changes; see studies

Black Cohosh: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	351 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			351 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			351 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			351 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies			351 people

Chlorella

Blood glucose
Blood Pressure: improves
Body Mass Index (BMI): improves

Chlorella: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	255 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	797 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			797 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			797 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			797 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			797 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			797 people

Hemp Protein

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
Triglycerides: improves

Hemp Protein: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) No effect		NoneNo effect		86 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	86 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			86 people

Fish Oil

Adiponectin
Apolipoprotein A
Triglycerides: improves

Fish Oil: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin No effect		NoneNo effect		147 people
Apolipoprotein A No effect		NoneNo effect		31 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		24 studies	15,492 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		7 studies	15,106 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		7 studies	252 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	93 people
Inflammation	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	26 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		4 studies	200 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	153 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	114 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	93 people
Blood Flow	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	91 people
LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	10 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	14,009 people
Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	158 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	10 people
Platelet Aggregation	Changes; see studies		1 study	50 people
Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)			104 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)			268 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			153 people
Food Intake	Changes; see studies			65 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			174 people
Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)			147 people
Non-HDL Cholesterol	Changes; see studies			54 people
Oxygen Uptake	Improves (the measure goes up)			34 people
Resistin	Improves (the measure goes up)			54 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			16,511 people
vLDL-C	Improves (the measure goes down)			134 people
Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			54 people
Waist-Hip Ratio	Improves (the measure goes up)			54 people

Rose Hip

Adiponectin
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
Glycemic Control: improves

Rose Hip: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin No effect		NoneNo effect		31 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	31 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	31 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			31 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			31 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			31 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people

Chromium

Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
Weight: improves
Glycemic Control: improves

Chromium: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile No effect		NoneNo effect		36 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		12 studies	416 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		9 studies	60 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	447 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	369 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	36 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	93 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	447 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	429 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	229 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	409 people
Apolipoprotein A	Improves (the measure goes up)			36 people
Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)			36 people
Eosinophil count	Changes; see studies			29 people
Immunity	Improves (the measure goes up)			29 people
LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)			40 people
Lymphocyte Count	Improves (the measure goes up)			29 people
Neutrophil Count	Improves (the measure goes up)			29 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			447 people

Casein

Blood glucose
Triglycerides: improves
Blood Pressure: improves

Casein: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		80 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	121 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			183 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			121 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			30 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			121 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			121 people

Red Clover Extract

Apolipoprotein A
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Weight: improves

Red Clover Extract: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Apolipoprotein A No effect		NoneNo effect		106 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		6 studies	304 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	171 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	357 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	75 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			357 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			304 people

Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Adiponectin
Body Fat: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

Conjugated Linoleic Acid: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin No effect		NoneNo effect		27 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)		7 studies	27 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		6 studies	146 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	96 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	163 people
Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		5 studies	27 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		4 studies	87 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies		2 studies	50 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	62 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	35 people
Inflammation	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	27 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)			35 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			35 people
LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)			27 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			27 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			50 people

Roselle

Apolipoprotein A
Apolipoprotein B: improves
Blood glucose: improves

Roselle: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	People
Apolipoprotein A No effect		NoneNo effect	53 people
Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)		53 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		60 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		113 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		113 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		113 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		220 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		167 people

Safflower Oil

Blood glucose
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
Glycemic Control: improves

Safflower Oil: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect	35 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		35 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		35 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		35 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		35 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		35 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		35 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		35 people

Roselle

Apolipoprotein A
Triglycerides: improves
Blood glucose: improves

Roselle: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Apolipoprotein A No effect		NoneNo effect		53 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	220 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	60 people
Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)			53 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			113 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			113 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			113 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			167 people

Arginine

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Total cholesterol: changes; see studies
Triglycerides: changes; see studies

Arginine: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) No effect		NoneNo effect		643 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		1 study	643 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		1 study	643 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			643 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			643 people
TNF-Alpha	Changes; see studies			643 people

Soy Protein

Blood glucose
Blood Pressure: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

Soy Protein: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		521 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	1,203 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			1,008 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			4,229 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			982 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			998 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,087 people

Nattokinase

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Liver Enzymes: changes; see studies
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves

Nattokinase: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) No effect		NoneNo effect		47 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies		1 study	47 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			47 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			47 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			47 people

L-Carnitine

Apolipoprotein A
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Total cholesterol: improves

L-Carnitine: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Apolipoprotein A No effect		NoneNo effect		291 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		12 studies	477 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	561 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	398 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	477 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		3 studies	323 people
Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	84 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies		2 studies	30 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	30 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	229 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	84 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	398 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	398 people
Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)			216 people
Fatigue Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)			84 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			259 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			229 people
Lipoprotein(a)	Improves (the measure goes up)			323 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			445 people
Superoxide Dismutase Activity	Improves (the measure goes up)			47 people

Theaflavins

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Triglycerides: improves

Theaflavins: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) No effect		NoneNo effect		102 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) No effect		NoneNo effect		102 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	102 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			102 people

Pomegranate seed oil

Body Fat
Glycemic Control
TNF-Alpha: improves

Pomegranate seed oil: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Body Fat No effect		NoneNo effect		51 people
Glycemic Control No effect		NoneNo effect		51 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	45 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	51 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	51 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			51 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			51 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			51 people
Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)			51 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			51 people

Docosahexaenoic Acid

Blood glucose
Insulin: changes; see studies
Blood Pressure: improves

Docosahexaenoic Acid: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect		59 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	59 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			59 people
C-Peptide	Improves (the measure goes up)			59 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			59 people
Heart Rate	Improves (the measure goes down)			59 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			59 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			59 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			59 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			59 people

Lactobacillus reuteri

Apolipoprotein A
Apolipoprotein B: improves
Plasma Vitamin D: improves

Lactobacillus reuteri: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Apolipoprotein A No effect		NoneNo effect		127 people
Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	241 people
Plasma Vitamin D	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	127 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	241 people
Bilirubin	Changes; see studies			114 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)			127 people
Fecal Bile Acids	Improves (the measure goes up)			114 people
Fibrinogen	Improves (the measure goes up)			127 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			241 people
Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)			114 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			114 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			241 people
Plasma Vitamin E	Improves (the measure goes up)			127 people
Plasma β-carotene	Improves (the measure goes up)			127 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			241 people

Ephedrine

Weight: improves
Body Fat: improves
Heart Rate: improves

Ephedrine: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		9 studies	167 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	167 people
Heart Rate	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	167 people
Blood Pressure Small Detriment	Worsens (the measure goes up)	Small effect		167 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			167 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			167 people

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Glycemic Control: worsens

Niacin (Vitamin B3): outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	20 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	20 people
Glycemic Control Small Detriment	Worsens (the measure goes down)	Small effect		20 people
Hepatic Glucose Production	Changes; see studies			20 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			20 people
vLDL-C	Improves (the measure goes down)			20 people

Olive Leaf Extract

Blood Pressure: improves

Olive Leaf Extract: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	40 people

Creatine

Glycemic Control: improves

Creatine: outcomes studied for High Cholesterol
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	25 people

Key findings

Blood glucoseBeta-glucansImproves (the measure goes down)
Lipid Profile ImprovementTriphala (Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica)Improves (the measure goes down)
LDL Cholesterol ReductionCitrus Bergamot (Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction)Improves (the measure goes down)

The High Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia) protocol

2 primary supplements · 4 supporting supplements

Plant Sterols/Stanols2–3 g daily with meals
Soluble Fiber (Beta-glucan/Psyllium)3 g beta-glucan or 10 g psyllium daily

See the full protocol

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Studies cited

19 studies from PubMed

Artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) reduces plasma cholesterol in otherwise healthy hypercholesterolemic adults: a randomized, double blind placebo controlled trialPhytomedicine · PMID 18424099
Efficacy of Artichoke dry extract in patients with hyperlipoproteinemiaArzneimittelforschung · PMID 10758778
Artichoke juice improves endothelial function in hyperlipemiaLife Sci · PMID 15581909
Metabolic impact of a ketogenic diet compared to a hypocaloric diet in obese children and adolescentsJ Pediatr Endocrinol Metab · PMID 23155696
Very low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets affect fasting lipids and postprandial lipemia differently in overweight menJ Nutr · PMID 15051841
The effect of apple vinegar consumption on glycemic indices, blood pressure, oxidative stress, and homocysteine in patients with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia: A randomized controlled clinical trialClin Nutr ESPEN · PMID 31451249
Mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) improves glycemic and lipid profiles of type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes individuals: a pilot studyJ Am Coll Nutr · PMID 22081618
Blueberries decrease cardiovascular risk factors in obese men and women with metabolic syndromeJ Nutr · PMID 20660279
Effect of probiotic fermented milk (kefir) on glycemic control and lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trialIran J Public Health · PMID 25905057
Kefir consumption does not alter plasma lipid levels or cholesterol fractional synthesis rates relative to milk in hyperlipidemic men: a randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN10820810]BMC Complement Altern Med · PMID 11825344
Effect of a Low-Fat Vegan Diet on Body Weight, Insulin Sensitivity, Postprandial Metabolism, and Intramyocellular and Hepatocellular Lipid Levels in Overweight Adults: A Randomized Clinical TrialJAMA Netw Open · PMID 33252690
Gluten-free vegan diet induces decreased LDL and oxidized LDL levels and raised atheroprotective natural antibodies against phosphorylcholine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized studyArthritis Res Ther · PMID 18348715
Effect of garlic on serum lipids: an updated meta-analysisNutr Rev · PMID 23590705
Effect of garlic and fish-oil supplementation on serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in hypercholesterolemic menAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 9022529
Lipid-lowering effects of time-released garlic powder tablets in double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized studyJ Atheroscler Thromb · PMID 19060427
On the effect of garlic on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in mild hypercholesterolaemiaAtherosclerosis · PMID 7605361
Garlic for treating hypercholesterolemia. A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trialsAnn Intern Med · PMID 10975959
Treatment of hyperlipidaemia with garlic-powder tablets. Evidence from the German Association of General Practitioners' multicentric placebo-controlled double-blind studyArzneimittelforschung · PMID 2291748
Effects of coffee consumption on subclinical inflammation and other risk factors for type 2 diabetes: a clinical trialAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 20181814

Evidence by supplement

Key findings

The High Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia) protocol

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Studies cited

Related conditions

Supplement stack for High Cholesterol