Researchers at the University of Reading have found that artichoke leaf extract can help lower cholesterol in otherwise healthy people with moderately raised levels. Once plasma cholesterol reaches a certain level, drugs such as statins are often prescribed to help reduce it. Intervention before concentrations reaches these levels may help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases without the need for drugs. For the trial, 75 volunteers were given 1280mg (4 capsules) of artichoke extract or a matched placebo, each day for 12 weeks. Artichoke consumption resulted in a significant reduction in total plasma cholesterol after the intervention period.
Source: Medical News Today, Jul 3, 2008
