In  study sponsored by Lichtwer Pharma, a German manufacturer of herbal supplements, UK researchers found that a preparation of artichoke leaf extract helped decrease cholesterol levels in healthy adults with raised cholesterol levels.
Plasma total cholesterol levels dropped on average 4.2 per cent and increased by 1.9 per cent among the control group, making a 6.1 per cent differential.
These results were observed in test subjects who were given four 320mg Lichtwer Pharma-branded (Cynara) supplements per day for 12 weeks. Seems to be a lot, for so little an effect, but hey, every little bit counts, and who knows what the effects may …read more

If you’re taking herbal dietary supplements such as echinacea, ginkgo, garlic, St. John’s wort and others, or even Vitamin E supplements, and you’ll be undergoing a medical procedure that will require the administration of anesthetics, be sure to let your doctor know what supplements you are taking. A lot of herbal supplements have side effects and drug interactions. Have a look at this flyer from the American Society of Anesthesiologists: What You Should Know About Herbal and Dietary Supplement Use and Anesthesia.
Hat Tip: Help My Hurt