British researchers at the University of Reading, Reading, UK gave 130 adults who had high total cholesterol levels 1280 mg of a standardized artichoke leaf extract daily for 12 weeks and compared the results to a control group. Plasma total cholesterol decreased in the treatment group by an average of 4 percent and increased in the control group by an average of 2 percent. No significant differences between groups were observed for LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels. 
Comments: If someone has a cholesterol level of 250 mg, a 4 percent drop would be 10 mg, which is not bad. There are several natural supplements that could be helpful in those with high cholesterol levels. In my opinion many patients can avoid the use of statin drugs, or reduce the required dosage, with the appropriate use and combination of dietary approaches and supplement usage.
See http://www.raysahelian.com/artichoke.html