Effects of a new combination of nutraceuticals with Morus alba on lipid profile, insulin sensitivity and endotelial function in dyslipidemic subjects. A cross-over, randomized, double-blind trial.
Ključne riječi
Sažetak
BACKGROUND
Nutraceuticals (NUT) are forms of compounds with biological activity commonly used to improve health in dosage largely exceeding those obtainable in food.
OBJECTIVE
We compared, in a double blind randomized cross-over trial, the effects of two NUT combinations on the control of glico-lipidic metabolism in patients with hypercholesterolemia not on statins.
METHODS
At study start patients were given dietary counseling and received placebo for 2 weeks. After this run-in period, patients were randomized: (1) Combination A [Policosanol, Red yeast rice (Monakolin K 3 mg), Berberine 500 mg, Astaxantine, Folic Acid and Coenzyme Q10] for 4 weeks followed by 4 weeks of Combination B [Red yeast rice (Monakolin K 3.3 mg), Berberine 531.25 mg and leaf extract of Morus alba]; (2) Combination B for 4 weeks followed by 4 weeks of Combination A.
RESULTS
Combination B reduced LDL cholesterol below 130 mg/dl in 56.5 % of the patients, and Cambination A only in 21.7 % of them (p ≤ 0.027). Both treatments reduced plasma levels of triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol (all p < 0.03). Total and LDL cholesterol reduction was more pronounced in patients taking Combination B (p < 0.005). Combination B reduced also glycated hemoglobin, fasting glucose and insulin plasma levels as well as HOMA index (p < 0.005).
CONCLUSIONS
An increased content of Berberin and Monacolin K and the addition of Morus alba extract improves the effect on plasma cholesterol and on glucose metabolism of the NUT Combination. These effects may allow the speculation of a more marked improvement in cardiovascular prognosis.
