A Contemporary Review on the Role of Nutraceuticals and Herbal Medicines in the Management of Hyperlipidemia

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia is a common metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and it represents a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Statins, fibrates, and bile acid sequestrants are examples of conventional lipid-lowering medications that are effective in lowering lipid levels; however, long-term usage of these medications may be related to side effects, drug intolerance, and patient non-compliance. Nutraceuticals and herbal remedies have received more scientific interest in recent years as additional or alternative methods for managing and preventing hyperlipidemia. Improved lipid metabolism is facilitated by the hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory qualities of a variety of bioactive substances obtained from food and medicinal plants. Nutraceuticals such as omega-3 fatty acids, plant sterols, soluble dietary fibers, and red yeast rice have been widely reported to reduce serum lipid levels. Similarly, in both experimental and clinical research, medicinal herbs such as garlic (Allium sativum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), green tea (Camellia sinensis), and berberine-containing species have shown the therapeutic potential of nutraceuticals and herbal medicines in the management of hyperlipidemia and their possible role in improving cardiovascular health.