Astragalus Polysaccharides Lowers Plasma Cholesterol through Mechanisms Distinct from Statins

Authors: Yunjiu Cheng, Kai Tang, Suhua Wu, Lijuan Liu, Cancan Qiang, Xiaoxiong Lin, Bingqing Liu

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0027437

Abstract Summary

Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) dramatically reduced cholesterol levels in hamsters by 45.8%, matching statin effectiveness but through a different mechanism. Rather than blocking cholesterol synthesis like statins, APS inhibited cholesterol absorption and increased bile acid excretion, offering a promising natural alternative for hypercholesterolemia treatment.

Why Brain? 🧠

Astragalus polysaccharides lower cholesterol as effectively as statins but work differently—blocking absorption and increasing excretion rather than inhibiting synthesis—offering a promising natural alternative.

The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.