What is the effectivenis of alternative therapy vs regular medications in reducing cholesterol?

Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.: What is the effectivenis of alternative therapy vs regular medications in reducing cholesterol?
Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.): yes
If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:: Red rice yeast and similar meds vs Statins and fibrates for reduction of lipids.
What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.): Both males and females in the over 30 -80 age gp,including DM,and HTN as comorbid conditions.
Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.): African Americans,Asians,Indians,Mexicans.
Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.): Reductionnof heart risk factors.
Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.: hepatic and muscular effects of statins versus the same inthe alternative therapy.

Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?

Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)

EHC Priority Conditions (updated in 2008)

AHRQ Priority Populations

Describe why this topic is important.: There are so many people scared of side effects of statins and these people use herbs ,sometimes with side-effects or with no benefit as regards the cardiac risk.
What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.): This arises due to a clinical dilemma I face almost on a daily basis.
Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.): yes
If yes, please explain:: If,indeed,the herbs work-that would mean a possible alternative in our clinical codes of care.

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?: By applying it to our patients.
Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.: 2-5 yrs.
Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.: the poorer or less insured population pays a lot of money for herbs-if they are of no use-they need to be educated re: this.

Other Information About You: (optional)

Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate): By applying it to our patients.

Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?: Individual

Effective Health Care Program