Researchers studied a natural plant extract called Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP) to see if it could help reduce high cholesterol and triglycerides—types of fats in your blood that can cause health problems. They gave this extract to rats with high cholesterol for 45 days and found it significantly lowered bad cholesterol and triglycerides while raising good cholesterol. The extract also improved liver health and changed the bacteria in the rats’ digestive systems in beneficial ways. While these results are promising, this research was done in animals, so scientists will need to test it in humans before we know if it works the same way for people.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a natural plant extract from Dendrobium orchids could lower high cholesterol and improve how the body handles fats
- Who participated: Young rats (8 weeks old) that were fed a diet high in sugar and fat to give them high cholesterol, similar to what happens in some people
- Key finding: After 45 days of treatment, rats receiving the plant extract had significantly lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, and bad cholesterol (LDL), while their good cholesterol (HDL) increased. Their livers also showed less fat buildup
- What it means for you: This plant extract may eventually help people with high cholesterol, but this is early-stage research done only in animals. Much more testing in humans is needed before doctors could recommend it as a treatment
The Research Details
Scientists conducted an experiment using rats to test whether a natural plant extract could help with high cholesterol. First, they created high cholesterol in the rats by feeding them unhealthy food high in sugar and fat. Then they gave some rats the plant extract (called DOP) for 45 days while other rats didn’t receive it. They measured cholesterol levels in the blood, looked at liver tissue under a microscope, and examined the bacteria living in the rats’ digestive systems.
The researchers also used computer analysis to figure out how the plant extract might work in the body. They identified which proteins and pathways the extract targets, which helped them understand the mechanism behind any improvements they observed.
This type of study is important because it helps scientists understand how natural substances might work before testing them in humans. Animal studies can show whether something is safe and effective enough to justify human trials.
Understanding how natural plant extracts work at the molecular level helps scientists determine whether they’re worth testing in people. This research provides a roadmap showing which biological pathways the extract affects, making it easier to predict what might happen in human studies and to identify who might benefit most
This study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, meaning other experts reviewed it before publication. The researchers used standard laboratory methods and measured multiple outcomes (cholesterol levels, liver health, gut bacteria). However, because this was done only in rats, the results may not directly apply to humans. The study size and specific rat numbers weren’t clearly detailed in the abstract. More research, especially in humans, would be needed to confirm these findings
What the Results Show
The plant extract significantly reduced three types of harmful fats in the blood: total cholesterol, triglycerides (another type of blood fat), and LDL cholesterol (the ‘bad’ cholesterol). At the same time, it increased HDL cholesterol (the ‘good’ cholesterol that protects your heart).
When researchers looked at liver tissue under a microscope, they found that the extract reduced fat buildup in the liver—a condition called fatty liver disease. This is important because excess fat in the liver can damage it over time.
At the molecular level, the extract worked by activating certain proteins and pathways that help the body regulate fat production and storage. In the liver, it turned on protective proteins (LKB1 and AMPK) and turned off proteins that make cholesterol. In fat tissue, it activated proteins that help burn fat and produce heat.
The extract also changed the balance of bacteria in the digestive system, increasing helpful bacteria and decreasing potentially harmful ones. These changes in gut bacteria were connected to the improvements in blood cholesterol levels.
The research showed that the plant extract’s benefits weren’t limited to just one part of the body. The improvements in liver function, fat tissue metabolism, and gut bacteria all worked together to reduce cholesterol. The correlation between changes in gut bacteria and blood fat levels suggests that the digestive system plays an important role in how this extract works. This finding supports the idea of a ‘gut-liver axis’—a connection between digestive health and liver function that affects overall fat metabolism
Previous research had suggested that Dendrobium orchid extracts might help with cholesterol, but the exact mechanisms weren’t well understood. This study provides more detailed information about how the extract works at the cellular and molecular level. The findings align with what scientists know about how certain natural compounds can activate AMPK, a protein that plays a key role in regulating metabolism. The discovery that gut bacteria changes are involved adds a new dimension to understanding how natural plant extracts might work
This study was conducted only in rats, not humans, so we can’t be certain the same effects would occur in people. The rats were young and healthy except for the high cholesterol induced by diet, which may not reflect the complexity of high cholesterol in real patients who may have other health conditions. The study lasted only 45 days, so we don’t know if the benefits would continue long-term or if tolerance might develop. The exact dose used in rats would need to be carefully adjusted for human use, and we don’t yet know what dose would be safe and effective in people. Additionally, the abstract doesn’t specify how many rats were used in each group, which affects how confident we can be in the results
The Bottom Line
Based on this animal research, the plant extract shows promise for potentially helping with high cholesterol. However, it’s too early to recommend it as a treatment. If you have high cholesterol, continue following your doctor’s advice about diet, exercise, and any prescribed medications. If you’re interested in natural approaches, discuss them with your healthcare provider before trying anything new. Confidence level: Low to Moderate (animal studies only)
People with high cholesterol or those at risk for heart disease should follow this research, as it may eventually lead to new treatment options. However, this research is not yet ready for practical use in humans. People interested in natural remedies and plant-based medicine may find this research interesting. Anyone considering using Dendrobium supplements should wait for human studies and consult their doctor first
If this research leads to human trials, it typically takes 5-10 years or more before a new treatment becomes available to the public. Even if human studies confirm these findings, regulatory approval and further safety testing would be required. For now, this is basic research that helps scientists understand possibilities, not a treatment ready for use
Want to Apply This Research?
- If you have high cholesterol, track your cholesterol levels (total, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) every 3-6 months as recommended by your doctor. Record the date, values, and any dietary or lifestyle changes you made during that period to identify patterns
- Use the app to log your daily diet and note which foods are high in sugar and fat (the diet that caused high cholesterol in the study). Set reminders to eat more fiber-rich foods and exercise regularly, as these are proven ways to improve cholesterol while scientists continue researching plant-based options
- Create a long-term tracking system that monitors cholesterol trends over months and years. Include markers like weight, exercise frequency, and dietary quality. Share this data with your doctor to make informed decisions about your health. If human studies eventually confirm this plant extract’s benefits, you’ll have baseline data to compare against
This research was conducted in animals and has not been tested in humans. The findings are preliminary and should not be used as medical advice. If you have high cholesterol or are concerned about your heart health, consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or medications. Do not stop taking prescribed cholesterol medications without talking to your doctor. Natural plant extracts can interact with medications and may not be safe for everyone. Always discuss any supplements or natural remedies with your healthcare provider before use.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.