Hypercholesterolemia (High cholesterol)

Overview

SupplementDEX lists 2 supplements studied for hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) across 10 trials. The strongest indexed signals include Ashwagandha, Black Tea. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below for full ratings across all supplements.

Effect graph

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Relevant supplements

Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.


Black Tea	★★★★★	Very Low / None
Ashwagandha	★★★★★	Low

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Studies

Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.

2 supplements for rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.

AshwagandhaView supplement →

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeLowEvidenceLowTrustLow

Evidence Review

It is uncertain if ashwagandha helps with high cholesterol.
A small study found that taking 3 grams daily for 30 days lowered several cholesterol measures compared to before treatment.
However, the study did not compare these results to a control group.

Browse 1 study

Controlled trialHypoglycemic, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic effect of winter cherry (Withania somnifera, Dunal) root2000

In 6 mild type 2 diabetics and 6 mild hypercholesterolemic subjects, ashwagandha root powder for 30 days showed hypoglycemic, diuretic, and cholesterol-lowering effects without adverse events.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 30 days

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Black TeaView supplement →

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeVery Low / NoneEvidenceHighTrustMedium

Evidence Review

It is unclear if black tea helps lower cholesterol.
Some small studies found drinking black tea lowers total and LDL cholesterol, but many others found no effect in healthy people or those at risk for heart disease.
There is some evidence black tea might modestly reduce LDL cholesterol in people with higher heart risk, but the overall findings are mixed.

Browse 9 studies3 meta-analyses

MetaEffectiveness of black tea versus placebo in subjects with hypercholesterolemia: A PRISMA systematic review and meta-analysis2019

A PRISMA meta-analysis of 6 hypercholesterolemia RCTs found no significant differences in total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, or triglycerides with black tea versus placebo in the short term.

Effect: No Benefit
Population: Adults with hypercholesterolemia
Ages: 18+

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MetaBlack tea consumption and serum cholesterol concentration: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2015n=411

A meta-analysis of 10 RCTs (411 adults) found black tea significantly lowered LDL cholesterol by 4.64 mg/dL versus control; total cholesterol and HDL were unchanged.

Effect: Benefit
Population: Adults
Participants: 411

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MetaEffect of black tea consumption on blood cholesterol: a meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials2014

A meta-analysis of 15 RCTs found black tea did not significantly change total, HDL, or LDL cholesterol overall; a random-effects LDL reduction of 4.56 mg/dL was not significant (p=0.12).

Effect: No Benefit
Population: Healthy adults

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MetaGreen and black tea for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease2013n=821

A Cochrane review of 11 short-term RCTs (821 participants) found black tea lowered LDL by 0.43 mmol/L and blood pressure modestly over 6 months; no clinical cardiovascular events were reported.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 6 months
Population: Healthy adults
Participants: 821

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RCTA 6-month randomized pilot study of black tea and cardiovascular risk factors2007n=14

In 31 older adults with cardiovascular risk factors, 6 months of 3 glasses/day black tea did not significantly change lipids, inflammatory markers, blood pressure, or oxidative stress versus water control.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 6 months
Dose: 3 g/day
Population: Older adults
Participants: 14
Avg age: ~55

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RCTBlack tea consumption reduces total and LDL cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults2003

In 15 mildly hypercholesterolemic adults, 5 servings/day black tea for 3 weeks on a controlled diet reduced total cholesterol by 6.5%, LDL by 11.1%, apoB by 5%, and lipoprotein(a) by 16.4% versus caffeine-matched placebo.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 3 weeks
Population: Adults

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RCTRegular ingestion of black tea improves brachial artery vasodilator function2002n=21

In 21 adults with mild hyperlipidemia, 5 cups/day black tea for 4 weeks increased endothelium-dependent brachial artery dilation by 2.3% and endothelium-independent dilation by 4.2% versus hot water control.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 4 weeks
Population: Adults
Participants: 21

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RCTNo effect of consumption of green and black tea on plasma lipid and antioxidant levels and on LDL oxidation in smokers1998

In smokers consuming 900 mL/day black or green tea for 4 weeks, neither tea nor isolated green tea polyphenols (3.6 g/day) changed plasma lipids or ex vivo LDL oxidation; green tea polyphenols lowered plasma vitamin E.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 4 weeks
Dose: 3.6 g/day
Population: Adults
Avg age: ~34

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RCTEffect of black tea drinking on blood lipids, blood pressure and aspects of bowel habit1997

In 65 adults in a 4-week crossover trial, 6 mugs/day black tea did not significantly change serum cholesterol, blood pressure, or bowel habit versus a caffeine-matched placebo drink.

Effect: No Benefit
Population: Women

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Evidence visualised

Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.

Purchase-guidance distribution

How many supplements fall in each purchase band

Effect-size distribution

How large the reported benefits tend to be

Study distribution across 2 supplements for hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) (10 studies total).
Supplement	DEX	Studies	Meta-analyses	Share
Black Tea	★★★★★40%	9	3	90%
Ashwagandha	★★★★★40%	1	0	10%

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Hypercholesterolemia (High cholesterol)

Overview

Effect graph

Relevant supplements

Studies

Evidence visualised

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