The mechanism of the hypocholesterolaemic effect of activated charcoal

Abstract. The hypocholesterolaemic mechanism of activated charcoal was studied in seven patients with primary hypercholesterolaemia. The reduction of serum cholesterol was correlated with the serum concentrations of cholesterol precursors and of two plant sterols. Activated charcoal, 8 g t.i.d. for 4 weeks, reduced serum concentration of total cholesterol by 27% (P<0.01). The effect was accompanied by a moderate elevation (P<0.05) in serum squalene and desmosterol concentrations and by a marked increase (up to 300–700%) in serum lathosterol and Δ8 latho‐sterol concentrations. The levels of two plant sterols, campesterol and β‐sitosterol, were unchanged or only slightly decreased by the use of activated charcoal. The decrease of serum cholesterol concentration had significant negative correlations with serum lathosterol and Δ8 lathosterol, and significant positive correlations with serum cholestanol and β‐sitosterol. These observations suggest an increased cholesterol synthesis upon treatment with activated charcoal, probably caused by the interference with the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids.