Cholesterol Complete By SeniorLife Health Overview & Drug Interactions

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin found in a variety of foods, including meat, poultry, fish, and fortified grains. It plays a variety of roles in the body, including in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also necessary for the production of energy in the body and in the synthesis of different hormones. Niacin deficiency is rare in developed countries, however, supplementation has been shown to have several positive benefits. For example, it can reduce the risk of diabetic neuropathy (i.e., nerve pain) and has been shown effective for treating some types of high cholesterol (extended-release niacin is used as a prescription drug in the United States for this purpose). There is a multitude of niacin forms available as dietary supplements, including NADH, niacinamide, and nicotinamide riboside, all with different properties.

Policosanol is a supplement made from the wax of sugar cane or other sources (e.g., beeswax, rice, or wheat germ oil). It is a mixture of 24-34 carbon alcohols comprised primarily of octacosanol (28-C) but also includes tetracosanol (24-C), hexacosanol (26-C), heptacosanol (27-C), triacontanol (30-C), nonacosanol (29-C), triacosanol (30-C), dotriacontanol (32-C), docosanol, (22-C), and tetratriacontanol. It is sometimes marketed as a natural alternative to statin drugs for the treatment of high cholesterol.

Guggal, also known as Commiphora mukul or Indian bdellium, is a species of tree native to India, Pakistan, and parts of the Middle East. It is known for producing a gum resin that has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Guggul is used for a variety of purposes, including for the treatment of joint pain, obesity, and high cholesterol. Many guggal preparations are often standardized to contain 2.5% to 5% guggulsterone.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a popular culinary herb native to central Asia, but is now widely cultivated. It is a member of the onion family and is known for its pungent smell and flavor. In addition to its culinary use, it has been used medicinally to treat a variety of conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and infections.