Clinical Cholesterol/Anti-Homocysteine Support By Natural Clinician Overview & Drug Interactions

Ginger is a spice native to Asia and part of the Zingiberaceae family. It has a pungent, spicy flavor and is often used to add flavor to dishes and drinks. Ginger has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other medicinal properties. It is commonly used to treat nausea, motion sickness, and other digestive issues. Ginger is also sometimes used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Ginger supplements generally standardize several compounds found in the root, and are often labeled as containing a certain amount of 'ginger root extract'.

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.

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.

Onion, a common vegetable, has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is believed to have a number of health benefits due to its high content of antioxidants, such as quercetin, as well as its anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used to treat respiratory conditions, such as colds and flu, due to its expectorant and decongestant effects. It is also believed to be helpful in relieving symptoms of asthma and bronchitis and is thought to have antimicrobial properties, making it useful for treating infections and wounds. Additionally, onion is believed to help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve blood sugar control. Most dietary supplements containing onion are an extract that contains allicin.

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.

Grapes are widely grown and cultivated for a variety of uses such as for food and beverage making (e.g., wine). They also have a long history of use in traditional medicine. The fruit and skin of grapes contain various compounds that are believed to have health benefits, including antioxidants such as resveratrol and flavonoids. These compounds may help to protect cells from damage and are purported to reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. Grapes and grape products may also have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce inflammation in the body and potentially improve symptoms of certain conditions. Grape seed extracts are also commonly used as a dietary supplement and are often standardized according to the content of polyphenols or proanthocyanidins.

Resveratrol is a natural compound found in certain plants, including grapes, berries, and peanuts. It has been the subject of numerous scientific studies due to its potential health benefits. Some research suggests that resveratrol may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. It may also have potential as a cancer-fighting agent and may help to improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

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.

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin crucial for several bodily functions. It plays a pivotal role in the formation of red blood cells, aiding in the prevention of anemia. Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system and proper brain function, as it is involved in the synthesis of myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibers. This vitamin is primarily found in animal-based foods such as meat, fish, dairy products, and eggs, making it important for vegetarians and vegans to consider supplementation. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to neurological issues, fatigue, and cognitive impairment.

Chromium is a trace mineral that is found in small amounts in the human body. It is believed to play a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is used as a dietary supplement for its purported ability to help with weight loss and blood sugar control. There is some evidence to suggest that chromium supplements may help to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes, although the results of studies on this topic have been mixed. Some studies have found that chromium supplements can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels in those with poorly controlled diabetes, while others have found no significant effects.