Artichoke Leaf Extract Improves HDL Cholesterol Levels in Patients with Hypercholesterolemia

摘要

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a prevalent worldwide threat to health. Nutritional modifications, such as low-fat diets, typically are used to prevent or lessen CVD risk. However, diets targeting the reduction of harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL)cholesterol also may reduce the concentration of beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Thus, interventions that reduce LDL while promoting higher concentrations of HDL are necessary for the alleviation of CVD. Artichoke {Cynara scolymus, Asteraceae) leaf extract (ALE) has been shown to lower cholesterol in previous studies. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of eight weeks of ALE supplementation on HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol concentrations in subjects with hypercholesterolemia.