Abstract: It has been discovered that the Chinese fruit known as shanzha, and extracts and purified component derived therefrom, can be administered orally to animals to reduce levels of cholesterol in the blood. The mechanism of action is believed to include the "up-regulation" of LDL receptors on cell surfaces and inhibition of transcription factors for sterol responsive genes. Examples demonstrate the isolation of active components and extracts, potential mechanisms of action in animals and cell culture, and conditions promoting retention of activity during storage.