Researchers tested a natural supplement combination on 359 people with heart and diabetes risk factors. The supplement contained two ingredients: Monacolin K (which helps lower cholesterol) and Morus alba (a plant extract). After 3 months, people taking the combination with both ingredients had better results than those taking just Monacolin K alone. Both groups improved their cholesterol and blood sugar levels, but the group with both ingredients saw even bigger improvements in blood sugar control. This is important because some cholesterol-lowering treatments can sometimes make blood sugar worse, but this combination appears to help both problems at the same time.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Does a natural supplement containing two ingredients (Monacolin K and Morus alba) work better than a supplement with just one ingredient for improving cholesterol and blood sugar levels in people at risk for heart disease and diabetes?
  • Who participated: 359 adults with risk factors for heart disease and diabetes were divided into two groups. One group (170 people) took a supplement with Monacolin K alone, and the other group (189 people) took a supplement with both Monacolin K and Morus alba. The groups were similar in age, gender, and starting health measurements.
  • Key finding: After 3 months, both groups improved their cholesterol and blood sugar levels. However, the group taking the two-ingredient supplement had significantly better blood sugar improvements (16% greater reduction) compared to the one-ingredient group.
  • What it means for you: If you’re at risk for heart disease or diabetes, a natural supplement combining Monacolin K and Morus alba may help improve both cholesterol and blood sugar better than taking Monacolin K alone. However, talk to your doctor before starting any supplement, as this is one study and more research is needed.

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the strongest types of medical research. Researchers randomly assigned 359 people into two groups to receive different supplement formulations. One group received a supplement with just Monacolin K (a natural ingredient that helps lower cholesterol), while the other group received a supplement containing both Monacolin K and Morus alba (an extract from mulberry plants). The study lasted 3 months, and researchers measured cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and other metabolic markers at the beginning and end.

Before the study started, researchers confirmed that both groups were similar in terms of age, gender, weight, and starting health measurements. This is important because it means any differences in results were likely due to the different supplements, not differences between the groups themselves.

The study was “active-treatment controlled,” meaning both groups received an active treatment rather than one group getting a placebo (fake pill). This helps researchers see which treatment works better.

This research design matters because it helps answer an important question: when we use supplements to lower cholesterol, do they accidentally make blood sugar worse? Previous research suggested that some cholesterol-lowering treatments might have this unwanted side effect. By testing a combination that includes Morus alba, researchers could see if adding this ingredient prevents that problem. The randomized design means the results are more trustworthy than if researchers had just observed people taking different supplements.

This study has several strengths: it included a large number of participants (359), used random assignment to reduce bias, measured multiple important health markers, and lasted long enough to see real changes (3 months). The study was published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, meaning other experts reviewed it before publication. However, the study only lasted 3 months, so we don’t know if the benefits continue longer. Also, we don’t know how this supplement compares to prescription medications that lower cholesterol.

What the Results Show

Both groups showed significant improvements in cholesterol and blood sugar after 3 months of treatment. The group taking the two-ingredient supplement (with Morus alba) had greater reductions in blood sugar levels compared to the one-ingredient group—specifically, 16% more improvement.

Interestingly, the two groups showed different patterns over time. In the group taking only Monacolin K, as cholesterol levels dropped, blood sugar levels tended to go up slightly (an inverse relationship). This suggests the cholesterol-lowering ingredient might have a small negative effect on blood sugar. In contrast, the group taking the two-ingredient supplement showed that as cholesterol dropped, blood sugar also continued to improve, suggesting the Morus alba ingredient counteracted any negative effect on blood sugar.

Both groups also showed improvements in a measure called HOMA index, which reflects how well the body handles insulin and blood sugar regulation. This suggests both supplements helped improve overall metabolic health, with the two-ingredient version performing better.

The study measured blood pressure and other metabolic parameters, though the abstract doesn’t provide detailed results for these measures. The fact that both groups were comparable at the start and remained comparable in most measures (except for the blood sugar improvements) suggests the supplements were well-tolerated and didn’t cause unexpected side effects.

Previous research had shown that Monacolin K is effective at lowering cholesterol, and that Morus alba alone has some health benefits. However, this is one of the first studies to show that combining these two ingredients works better than either alone, particularly for preventing the blood sugar problems that can sometimes occur with cholesterol-lowering treatments. This finding is important because it suggests natural ingredients can be combined strategically to improve multiple health problems at once.

The study only lasted 3 months, so we don’t know if the benefits continue over longer periods or if they’re permanent. The study didn’t compare these supplements to prescription cholesterol medications, so we can’t say whether they work as well as standard treatments. The study also didn’t include information about diet and exercise changes, which could have affected the results. Additionally, we don’t know how well these results apply to different populations (different ages, ethnicities, or health conditions) since the study included only one group of participants.

The Bottom Line

If you have high cholesterol or are at risk for diabetes, a supplement combining Monacolin K and Morus alba may help improve both conditions. However, this should not replace prescribed medications or lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. The evidence is moderate—this is one good study, but more research is needed. Always talk to your doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you take other medications.

This research is most relevant to adults with high cholesterol, prediabetes, or risk factors for heart disease who are interested in natural supplements. People already taking prescription cholesterol medications should not switch to supplements without doctor approval. People with severe diabetes or heart disease should focus on prescribed treatments first. Pregnant women and people with certain health conditions should avoid supplements without medical guidance.

Based on this study, you might expect to see improvements in cholesterol and blood sugar levels within 3 months of consistent use. However, individual results vary, and some people may see changes faster or slower. It typically takes several months of consistent use to see meaningful improvements in blood sugar control.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track fasting blood sugar levels weekly (if you have a home glucose meter) and cholesterol levels every 3 months through your doctor. Also log supplement adherence daily to ensure consistent use.
  • Set a daily reminder to take the supplement at the same time each day. Pair it with a healthy habit like breakfast or dinner to build consistency. Log your supplement intake in the app to track compliance.
  • Create a monthly dashboard showing trends in blood sugar and cholesterol measurements. Set goals for gradual improvement (5-10% reduction per month). Schedule quarterly check-ins with your doctor to verify results with professional lab tests and adjust the plan if needed.

This research describes the effects of a specific supplement combination in one study. These findings should not be used to replace prescribed medications or medical advice from your doctor. Before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications, have diabetes, or have heart disease, consult with your healthcare provider. Supplements are not regulated the same way as medications, and quality can vary between brands. Individual results may vary, and this study does not prove the supplement works for everyone. If you experience any side effects or health changes, stop use and contact your doctor immediately.