Efficacy and tolerability of a combined lipid-lowering nutraceutical on cholesterolemia, hs-CRP level and endothelial function in moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects

J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2016 Apr-Jun;30(2):593-8.

Abstract

Our aim was to test, by a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, whether a short-term treatment with a combined lipid-lowering nutraceutical could improve endothelial function in a cohort of moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects. Thus, 80 healthy, moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects were consecutively enrolled and, after 4 weeks of stabilization diet, they were randomized to either the tested lipid-lowering nutraceutical or placebo for 8 weeks. At the beginning and end of treatment a complete lipid pattern, safety parameters, hs-CRP and endothelial function were measured. When compared to placebo, during nutraceutical treatment patients experienced a more favorable percentage change in total cholesterol (TC vs baseline: -17.9%; TC vs placebo: -5.6%), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C vs baseline: -23.3%; LDL-C vs placebo: -2.8%), hs-CRP (hs-CRP vs baseline: -2.4%; hs-CRP vs placebo: -1.5%), and endothelial function (pulse volume displacement vs baseline: +17%; pulse volume displacement vs placebo treatment: -3.3%). No significant difference was observed in respect to effects on triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and safety parameters. On the basis of our data, the tested lipid-lowering nutraceutical seems to significantly improve endothelial function in moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects. These results have to be confirmed on larger patient samples and over longer periods.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis*
  • Dietary Supplements* / adverse effects
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypercholesterolemia / blood
  • Hypercholesterolemia / drug therapy*
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Hypolipidemic Agents
  • C-Reactive Protein