A studyfound that alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) significantly decreased total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

The study hoped to find that ALA and quercetin, both cardioprotective compounds, would have a synergistic effect on cardiovascular health. However, while plasma quercetin, tamarixetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol increased significantly with ALA and quercetin as opposed to ALA and a placebo, the two did not have an additive affect.

The study was performed on 67 individuals, who were randomized to receive either 3.6g of ALA plus 190mg of quercetin or the ALA and 190mg of a placebo every day for eight weeks. The trial was double-blinded and placebo-controlled.

No significant effects on blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, glucose, or lipid-adjusted retinal were seen in either study group.