Variety of herbs, herbal extracts, and plant enzymes

60 capsules, #301, $39.95

Herbal Cardio Formula provides a variety of herbs, herbal extracts, and plant enzymes that have shown benefits in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Gugulipid extract lowers blood-fat without adverse side effects. In a study in the Journal of Associated Physicians-India (37(5):323-8, 1989), 125 patients who received gugulipid experienced an 11% decrease in total cholesterol and a 16.8% decrease in triglyceride levels within 3-4 weeks. In addition, HDL cholesterol increased in 60% of the patients receiving gugulipid. In a placebo-controlled trial of 40 patients with high blood fat levels, serum cholesterol declined by 21.75% and triglycerides by 27.1% after 3 weeks of administration of gugulipid. After 16 weeks, HDL cholesterol increased by 35.8%. The placebo group did not achieve statistically significant results (Indian Journal of Medical Research 87:356-60, 1988).

Bromelain is a mixture of sulfur-containing proteolytic enzymes obtained from the stem of the pineapple plant. Bromelain has been shown to be useful in treating cardiovascular disease by breaking down fibrinogen so that it can be metabolized.

Curcumin reduces cholesterol by interfering with intestinal cholesterol uptake, increasing the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids, and increasing the excretion of bile acids (International Journal of Vitamin Nutritional Research 61:364-9 1991). Curcumin prevents abnormal blood clot formation by interfering with the formation of thromboxane A2, a promoter of platelet aggregation. Curcumin increases levels of prostacyclin, the body’s natural inhibitor of abnormal platelet aggregation (Arzheim Forsch. 36:715-7 1986)

Ginger, similar to curcumin, also inhibits the synthesis of thromboxane A2, a promoter of platelet aggregation and increases prostacyclin, an inhibitor of such activity (Medical Hypothesis 20:271, 1986). In a study published in Prostaglandins Medicine (13:277, 1984), ginger was shown to inhibit platelet aggregation in vitro more effectively than onion or garlic. Scientists call ginger a “cardiotonic agent” because of its ability to increase ATP energy production in the heart and to enhance the calcium pumping within heart cells that is required for greater cardiac contractile strength and output.

Heart attack and stroke together are the leading cause of death in the Western world. Most heart attacks and strokes are caused by a blood clot that obstructs the flow of blood to a portion of the heart or brain. This lack of blood flow deprives heart or brain cells of oxygen and fuel resulting in their death.

Low-dose aspirin and certain nutrients provide partial protection against abnormal blood clots, but a recently identified clotting factor mandates that additional measures be taken to prevent the heart attacks and strokes that they cause.

Both fish and olive oil have been shown to lower fibrinogen in humans with elevated fibrinogen levels. In a published study, the daily amount of fish oil required to produce a fibrinogen-lowering effect was 6 grams, about equal to five capsules of Mega EPA. Elevated homocysteine levels have been shown to block the natural breakdown of fibrinogen by inhibiting the production of tissue plasminogen activator. Trimethylglycine (TMG), folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 reduce elevated homocysteine levels by converting it first to methionine and then, with the aid of ATP, to the beneficial S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe).

Dosage and use
- One capsule two times daily is suggested.

- One to two capsules three times daily may be taken as needed. This product is most effectively utilized when taken with meals.

Caution:
- Do not use Herbal Cardiovascular Formula if you have a biliary tract obstruction because curcumin lowers cholesterol by stimulating biliary secretion of cholesterol and bile acids from the liver through the bile duct into the intestine.
- High doses of curcumin on an empty stomach may contribute to stomach ulcers.

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