Researchers tested a leafy vegetable called Artemisia selengensis (a plant used in Asian cooking) to see if it could help lower cholesterol in rats fed a high-fat diet. After 21 days of treatment, the plant leaf extract significantly reduced cholesterol levels and improved how the body processes fats. The study found that special compounds in the leaves called phenols and flavonoids appear to work by changing how the liver and intestines handle cholesterol. While these results are promising, this was a small animal study, so more research in humans is needed before we know if this plant could help people with high cholesterol.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a leafy plant called Artemisia selengensis could lower cholesterol levels in rats eating a high-fat diet, and how it works in the body.
  • Who participated: 12 young male rats (4 weeks old) that were fed a high-fat diet to mimic high cholesterol problems in humans.
  • Key finding: Rats treated with the plant leaf extract for 21 days had significantly lower total cholesterol and improved cholesterol-related markers compared to untreated rats. The plant also increased the amount of bile acids in their stool, suggesting the body was processing cholesterol differently.
  • What it means for you: This plant may help manage cholesterol through natural compounds, but this is early-stage research in animals. Do not replace cholesterol medications with this plant without talking to your doctor. More human studies are needed to confirm these findings.

The Research Details

This study had two main parts. First, researchers tested different parts of the Artemisia selengensis plant (roots, stems, and leaves) in laboratory dishes to see which parts worked best at lowering cholesterol markers. They found the leaves were most effective. In the second part, they gave the leaf extract to 12 rats on a high-fat diet for 21 days and measured how it affected their cholesterol levels and genes related to fat metabolism.

The researchers used a technique called ‘untargeted metabolomics’ to identify all the different compounds in the plant leaves. This is like taking a detailed inventory of every ingredient in the plant to understand what might be causing the health benefits. They also measured specific genes that control how the body makes and processes cholesterol.

This type of study design is useful for discovering how plants might work, but it’s limited because it only involved 12 animals. Animal studies help researchers decide whether to test something in humans, but results don’t always transfer directly to people.

Understanding how plant compounds affect cholesterol is important because many people don’t respond well to statin drugs (the standard cholesterol medications), and natural alternatives are worth exploring. By studying the plant’s mechanism—how it actually works in the body—researchers can better understand whether it might be useful for humans and which compounds are responsible for the benefits.

Strengths: The study used a clear experimental design with a control group, measured multiple cholesterol-related markers, and identified specific plant compounds. Weaknesses: The sample size was very small (only 12 rats), which limits how confident we can be in the results. This was an animal study, so results may not apply to humans. The study didn’t compare the plant directly to statin medications. There’s no mention of how the rats were selected or whether the researchers were blinded to which rats received treatment.

What the Results Show

After 21 days of treatment, rats receiving the Artemisia selengensis leaf extract had significantly lower total cholesterol compared to untreated rats. The treatment also improved other cholesterol-related measurements in the blood. Additionally, the researchers found that five important genes related to cholesterol metabolism were more active in the treated rats, suggesting the plant was actually changing how the body processes cholesterol at a genetic level.

The amount of bile acids in the rats’ stool increased significantly after treatment. Bile acids are substances the body makes to help digest fats and remove cholesterol. Higher bile acid levels in stool suggest the body was getting rid of more cholesterol through this pathway. This is important because it shows the plant may work through the ’liver-intestinal axis’—a communication system between the liver and intestines that controls cholesterol processing.

The chemical analysis revealed that the leaves contained much higher levels of phenols and flavonoids (plant compounds with antioxidant properties) compared to the roots and stems. These compounds are likely responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effects, though the study didn’t prove this directly.

The study found that different parts of the plant had different potencies. The leaves were most effective, followed by stems and roots. This suggests that the concentration of active compounds varies throughout the plant. The untargeted metabolomics analysis identified phenols and flavonoids as the most abundant beneficial compounds in the leaves, which aligns with what other research has shown about these compounds’ health benefits.

Previous research has shown that phenols and flavonoids from various plants can help lower cholesterol, so this finding fits with existing knowledge. However, Artemisia selengensis specifically hasn’t been well-studied for cholesterol benefits, making this research a useful addition to the field. The mechanism identified (working through the liver-intestinal axis) is similar to how some other plant-based cholesterol treatments work, which adds credibility to the findings.

The biggest limitation is that this was a small animal study with only 12 rats, so results may not apply to humans. The study didn’t include a comparison group taking statin medications, so we don’t know if this plant is more, less, or equally effective as standard treatments. The study didn’t test different doses to find the optimal amount. There’s no information about potential side effects or safety concerns. The treatment period was only 21 days, which is relatively short. Finally, the study didn’t measure whether the cholesterol improvements would persist over longer periods or whether the plant would work in humans with different genetics and lifestyles.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, Artemisia selengensis leaf extract shows promise for cholesterol management, but confidence is low because this is early-stage animal research. Do not use this plant as a replacement for prescribed cholesterol medications. If you’re interested in exploring plant-based approaches to cholesterol, discuss options with your doctor. More human studies are needed before specific dosage recommendations can be made.

This research is most relevant to: (1) People with high cholesterol who don’t respond well to statin medications, (2) Researchers studying plant-based treatments for cholesterol, (3) People interested in preventive nutrition approaches. This research should NOT be used by people currently taking cholesterol medications to self-treat without medical supervision. People with liver or intestinal disorders should consult a doctor before trying this plant.

In this rat study, significant improvements appeared after 21 days. If this translates to humans, benefits might take several weeks to appear, but this is speculative. Long-term effects (months to years) are unknown. Any real-world use should be monitored by a healthcare provider over time.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If a user wants to explore this plant (with doctor approval), they could track: (1) Weekly cholesterol levels if they have access to testing, (2) Daily consumption amount and timing, (3) Any digestive changes or side effects, (4) Energy levels and overall wellness markers.
  • A practical app-based change could be: ‘Add Artemisia selengensis leaf to meals 1-2 times per week’ with reminders and a simple log to track consumption. The app could provide recipes or preparation suggestions and allow users to note any changes they observe.
  • Long-term tracking should include: (1) Monthly or quarterly cholesterol lab results (if available), (2) Consistency of consumption, (3) Any side effects or digestive changes, (4) Overall health markers like energy and digestion quality. Users should share this data with their healthcare provider for professional interpretation.

This research is preliminary animal study data and should not be used to replace prescribed cholesterol medications or medical advice. Artemisia selengensis has not been approved by the FDA for treating cholesterol or any medical condition. Before using this plant or any supplement, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider, especially if you take cholesterol medications, blood thinners, or have liver or digestive disorders. This plant may interact with medications or cause side effects in some people. The findings from rat studies do not guarantee the same results in humans. Always inform your healthcare provider about any supplements or plant-based treatments you’re considering.