Abstract
Diabetes is often associated with dyslipidemia, a main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. According to the traditional recommendations and experimental studies, numerous phytochemicals have been suggested for dyslipidemia. In most cases, however, limited evidence exists regarding their clinical usefulness. This review focuses on phytochemicals that have been investigated in clinical trials, particularly their hypolipidemic actions in diabetic patients. Proposed mechanisms for the hypolipidemic effects of such phytochemicals and their potential side effects are discussed. According to the evidence currently available, Allium sativum, Cyamopsis tetragonolobus, Psyllium, Silybum marianum and Trigonella foenum-graecum have acquired enough reputation for treatment of diabetic dyslipidemia. These herbs have demonstrated hypolipidemic and in some cases hypoglycemic activity in diabetic patients. Therefore, their consumption may improve the management of dyslipidemia and reduce cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients.