A Review on the Herbal Treatment for Hypercholesterolemia Using Plants from the Zingiberaceae Family Plants

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, has become a significant global health concern. Conventional lipid-lowering agents, though effective, often carry side effects that drive the search for safer alternatives. In recent years, medicinal plants from the Zingiberaceae family have gained attention for their potential role in managing cholesterol levels due to their rich phytochemical content, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. This review aims to explore the therapeutic efficacy of Zingiberaceae family plants, particularly focusing on Zingiber officinale (ginger), Curcuma longa (turmeric), and Alpinia galanga (greater galangal), in the management of hypercholesterolemia. The bioactive compounds within these plants have shown promising effects on lipid metabolism, including the reduction of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides, while elevating high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This review will also discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the cholesterol-lowering effects of Zingiberaceae species, providing insight into their potential as complementary therapies in hypercholesterolemia management.
Keywords: Hypercholesterolemia, Herbal treatment, Lipid metabolism, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Alpinia galangal