Indication: High cholesterol

Source: Annals of Pharmacotherapy, November 2006;40(11)1984-92.

Research: Researchers from Kaiser Permanente of Colorado reviewed the literature on select alternative therapies for the management of dyslipidemia. Searches of Medline and PubMed (1965-March 2006) were conducted using the key terms omega 3 fatty acids, policosanol, plant stanols and sterols, flaxseed, red yeast rice, guggulipid, garlic, fiber, almonds and cholesterol and/or lipids. The review consisted of meta-analyses published in English and involving adults that incorporated randomized, controlled trials on alternative therapies for dyslipidemia. Additionally, trials published subsequent to the meta-analyses were reviewed. Articles deemed relevant were included in the review.

Results: Randomized, controlled trials were found for omega 3 fatty acids, policosanol, plant stanols and sterols, flaxseed, red yeast rice, guggulipid, garlic, fiber, almonds and soy. According to the report, studies for each of these agents detailed varying degrees of lipid reduction. Based on published data, researchers believe effective therapeutic options for lipid-lowering include intake of fiber, intake of plant stanols/ sterols, replacement of animal protein with soy protein and substitution of foods high in saturated fat with those with monounsaturated fatty acids (e.g., dry roasted almonds). Adding omega 3 fatty acids, they claim, is effective for reducing triglycerides in patients with hypertriglyceridemia. For the future, researchers called for more well designed studies with long-term outcome data in order to further define the role for guggul, red yeast rice, policosanol, garlic and flaxseed in the management of dyslipidemia.