Ingredients: Basil, Psyillium and Alfalfa.

 

Basil - Active ingredients include flavonoids, procyanidins, tannins and essential oil, and basil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and hypolipidemic actions. A study by S. Amrani and colleagues published in the December 2006 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" tested an extract on animals with induced high cholesterol. The study found that basil has very high antioxidant properties and significantly reduced LDL. After seven hours, treated animals had 79 percent less LDL than the control group. The reduction of LDL was accompanied by an increase in HDL, or good cholesterol, which removes cholesterol from the tissues to the liver, where it is then eliminated in bile acids. This study shows the link between antioxidants, LDL reduction and lowering the risk of atherosclerosis. Basil should not be taken for long periods of time.

 

Psyillium - Has long been recognized for its potential role in reducing blood cholesterol. As early as in 1998, the FDA already approved a health claim on psyllium.  Studies have shown that psyllium husk is effective in lowering total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein or LDL (the bad cholesterol) levels.

 

Alfalfa - Alfalfa is an herb high in compounds called saponins that may interfere with lipid breakdown and absorption in the gut, lowering cholesterol. Other compounds may have a beneficial effect on cholesterol balance by regulating bile synthesis in the liver. Natural coumarins have been shown to counteract stagnation of blood in the vessels and stabilize blood vessel membranes, reducing leakiness. In one clinical study, the seeds reduced cholesterol levels in humans.

 

Alfalfa contains phytoestrogens called isoflavones, which can have a moderate estrogenic effect in the body. Isoflavones are also found in red clover and in soy products, and are touted today as a safe alternative to estrogen supplements during and after menopause. It is not uncommon for Asian women to consume up to 200 mg of isoflavones a day in the diet, far higher than the average 10 or 20 mg that is common among North Americans and Europeans. Some research suggests that isoflavones may be partially responsible for the lower rates of prostate and reproductive cancers found in Asia, and possible the lower rate of undesirable menopausal symptoms, though this has yet to be proven in high-quality clinical trials. At the recommended dosage of alfalfa, the estrogenic effect is not likely to because side effects usually associated with synthetic estrogen supplements, and may provide a protective benefit when used regularly.