Atherosclerosis, commonly known as hardening of the arteries, is a condition that occurs when cholesterol, fat, and other substances build up inside the arteries and form plaques.

These plaques can restrict blood flow, leading to a range of heart and circulatory problems such as heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.

While medication and lifestyle changes can be effective in managing atherosclerosis, research has shown that certain natural extracts may also play a role in reducing plaque buildup and improving overall cardiovascular health.

Here are some of the most promising natural extracts for reducing atherosclerosis:.

Garlic Extract

Garlic has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, and research has shown that garlic extract may help to reduce both cholesterol levels and blood pressure, two risk factors for atherosclerosis.

A study published in the journal Nutrition found that taking garlic extract supplements can lead to a significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, while a study conducted by researchers at the University of Adelaide found that garlic extract can lower blood pressure by up to 10%. These benefits make garlic extract a valuable tool in the fight against atherosclerosis.

Curcumin

Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, a spice that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. Studies have shown that curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce plaque buildup in the arteries.

A randomized controlled trial published in the journal Nutrition found that curcumin supplements were effective in improving endothelial function, which is a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis. Another study, published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, found that curcumin supplementation led to a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol levels.

Green Tea Extract

Green tea is rich in compounds called catechins, which have been shown to have a range of health benefits.

One of the most promising benefits of green tea extract is its ability to improve endothelial function and reduce inflammation, both of which are key factors in the development of atherosclerosis.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that taking green tea extract supplements can lead to a significant improvement in endothelial function, while another study published in the journal Hypertension found that green tea extract can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Ginkgo Biloba Extract

Ginkgo biloba is a popular herbal supplement that is often used to improve cognitive function. However, research has shown that ginkgo biloba extract may also be beneficial for reducing atherosclerosis.

A study published in the journal Vascular Pharmacology found that ginkgo biloba extract can improve endothelial function and reduce inflammation in people with atherosclerosis. Another study, published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, found that ginkgo biloba extract can also reduce plaque buildup in the arteries.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a compound found in red wine, grapes, and berries, and has been shown to have a range of health benefits.

Studies have shown that resveratrol can improve endothelial function, reduce inflammation, and lower blood pressure, all of which are important for reducing atherosclerosis.

A study published in the journal Clinical Science found that resveratrol supplementation led to a significant improvement in endothelial function and a reduction in blood pressure, while another study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology found that resveratrol can reduce plaque buildup in the arteries.

Hawthorn Extract

Hawthorn extract is derived from the hawthorn tree and has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.

Research has shown that hawthorn extract can improve endothelial function, reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure, making it a valuable tool in the fight against atherosclerosis.

A study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology found that hawthorn extract can significantly improve endothelial function in people with atherosclerosis, while another study published in the Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy found that hawthorn extract can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Bilberry Extract

Bilberries are similar to blueberries and are rich in compounds called anthocyanins, which have been shown to have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Studies have shown that bilberry extract can improve endothelial function, reduce inflammation, and lower cholesterol levels, all of which are important for reducing atherosclerosis.

A study published in the International Journal of Cardiology found that taking bilberry extract supplements can lead to a significant improvement in endothelial function in people with atherosclerosis, while another study published in the journal Metabolism found that bilberry extract can lower LDL cholesterol levels.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that is found in foods such as spinach, broccoli, and potatoes.

Studies have shown that alpha-lipoic acid can reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve endothelial function, making it a valuable tool for reducing atherosclerosis.

A study published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology found that alpha-lipoic acid supplementation led to a significant improvement in endothelial function in people with atherosclerosis, while another study published in the journal Hypertension found that alpha-lipoic acid can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid that is found in a range of fruits and vegetables, including onions, apples, and grapes.

Research has shown that quercetin can improve endothelial function, reduce inflammation, and lower blood pressure, all of which are important for reducing atherosclerosis.

A study published in the journal American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that quercetin supplementation led to a significant improvement in endothelial function in people with atherosclerosis, while another study published in the journal Nutrients found that quercetin can lower blood pressure.

Grapeseed Extract

Grapeseed extract is derived from the seeds of grapes and is rich in compounds called proanthocyanidins, which have been shown to have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Studies have shown that grapeseed extract can improve endothelial function, reduce inflammation, and lower blood pressure, making it a valuable tool for reducing atherosclerosis.

A study published in the journal Clinical Cardiology found that grapeseed extract supplementation led to a significant improvement in endothelial function in people with atherosclerosis, while another study published in the International Journal of Cardiology found that grapeseed extract can lower blood pressure.

Conclusion

Atherosclerosis is a serious condition that can lead to a range of cardiovascular problems.

While medication and lifestyle changes are important for managing the condition, research has shown that certain natural extracts may also be beneficial for reducing plaque buildup and improving overall cardiovascular health.

Garlic extract, curcumin, green tea extract, ginkgo biloba extract, resveratrol, hawthorn extract, bilberry extract, alpha-lipoic acid, quercetin, and grapeseed extract are all promising options that can be safely incorporated into a healthy diet and lifestyle.