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Introduction: Oligonol, an oligomerized-polyphenol from Litchi chinensis extract, has been shown to alleviate metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oligonol in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: Adult patients with NAFLD defined by magnetic resonance imaging-derived proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) ≥11% were enrolled and then randomly assigned to receive either oligonol or placebo capsules. Primary endpoint was ≥30% reduction in MRI-PDFF at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes were reductions in bodyweight, waist circumference, alanine transaminase, fasting blood sugar, and lipid profiles at week 24. Results: Forty patients were enrolled (n = 20/group). Primary endpoint was achieved in 20% in the oligonol group and 15% in the placebo group (p = 0.50). The authors found a reduction in MRI-PDFF between weeks 0 and 24 in the oligonol group; however, the change was not different from the placebo group. Secondary outcomes were similar between two groups. Discussion: Oligonol has not shown a significant therapeutic effect in NAFLD. Future studies with a longer duration of therapy might be needed to achieve the primary endpoint. Clinical Trial Registration Number: Thai Clinical Trial Registry identification number: TCTR20200814001. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daily pecan consumption improves fasting and postprandial triglycerides, but its effect on angiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTLs) is unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of daily pecan consumption for 8 weeks on fasting and postprandial ANGPTL3, −8, and −4. This was an 8-week, randomized, controlled trial with three treatments: two pecan groups and a nut-free control group (n = 16). The ADD group (n = 15) consumed pecans (68 g) as part of a free-living diet, and the SUB group (n = 16) substituted the pecans (68 g) for isocaloric foods from their habitual diet. Fifty-six participants were randomized but nine subjects did not begin or finish the 8-week intervention and/or testing visits. At pre- and post-intervention, a high saturated fat meal was consumed with 3.5 h postprandial blood draws to determine changes in ANGPTL3, −8, and −4. There was a significant suppression in postprandial ANGPTL3 from pre- to post-intervention within ADD and SUB (P = .004 and P = .002, respectively) but not control (ns). There were no other changes within or between groups for fasting and postprandial outcomes. Daily pecan consumption improved postprandial ANGPTL3, which may mediate improvements in lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) from olives and polyphenols from almond skin (ASPs) possess cardioprotective properties. This pilot study evaluates the effect of supplementation with a combination of olive fruit and almond skin extracts on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol oxidation, lipid homeostasis, and inflammatory parameters in adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia. A randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of 8 weeks was performed. The extract group (EG) received the supplement with 7.5 mg HT +210 mg ASPs, and the control group (CG) received a placebo composed of maltodextrin. Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) levels and the oxLDL/LDL ratio were lower in the EG than in the CG after 8 weeks of treatment (18.76 ± 3.91 vs. 10.34 ± 4.22, P < .001 and 0.151 ± 0.025 vs. 0.08 ± 0.023, P < .001, respectively). Interleukin-1β levels were significantly higher in the CG than in the EG at week 4 (P = .004), IL-6 was significantly higher in the CG than in the EG at week 4 (P = .049), and IL-10 was significantly increased at week 4 in both groups (P = .002 for CG and P = .001 for EG). In conclusion, daily consumption of a combination of an olive fruit extract and an almond skin extract for 8 weeks seems to protect LDL from oxidation and to prevent inflammatory status in moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of herbarium mixture has been empirical, and the properties are not yet known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral administration of herbarium mixture (Guazuma ulmifolia [G. ulmifolia]/Tecoma stans [T. stans]) on metabolic profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial was carried out in 40 patients with T2DM. They were between 40 and 65 years of age, with body mass index (BMI) between 25.0 and 34.9 kg/m2 and HbA1c >7.0%. BMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipids, kidney, and liver function were measured. The patients were randomly assigned to receive the herbarium mixture (G. ulmifolia/T. stans) 400 mg before each meal, or placebo for 90 days. Herbarium mixture group showed decreased waist circumference (99 ± 14 vs. 98 ± 15 cm; P = .019), fasting glucose (12.0 ± 5.7 vs. 10.3 ± 5.1 mM; P = .019), and HbA1c (9.9% ± 2.7% vs. 8.9% ± 2.5%, P = .002). In conclusion, the administration of herbarium mixture (G. ulmifolia/T. stans) improved the glycemic profile in patients with T2DM. ClinicalTrial registration: NCT03313856 ClinicalTrials.gov [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effect of berberine (BBR) plus bezafibrate administration on the lipid profile of patients with mixed dyslipidemia. A double-blind randomized pilot clinical trial with parallel groups was carried out in 36 patients, aged 30–60 years with mixed dyslipidemia [triglycerides (TG) ≥1.7 mM and total cholesterol (TC) ≥5.2 mM]. Patients were assigned to 3 groups of 12 patients each, receiving oral administration during 90 days of BBR 500 mg t.i.d., bezafibrate 400 mg b.i.d., or BBR 500 mg t.i.d. plus bezafibrate 400 mg b.i.d, respectively. Clinical evaluation, lipid profile, glucose, creatinine, and uric acid levels were measured before and after the pharmacological intervention. Kruskal–Wallis, Wilcoxon, Mann–Whitney U, and χ2 tests were used for statistical analyses; a P ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant. BBR reduced TC levels. Bezafibrate decreased TG, TC, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) concentrations. BBR plus bezafibrate decreased TG (2.6 ± 0.8 vs. 1.3 ± 0.7 mM, P = .007), TC (6.3 ± 0.7 vs. 4.6 ± 1.2 mM, P = .005), LDL-C (3.4 ± 0.6 vs. 2.2 ± 1.3 mM, P = .037), and VLDL (0.5 ± 0.2 vs. 0.2 ± 0.1 mM, P = .007) levels. Bezafibrate and BBR plus bezafibrate significantly decreased TG, TC, LDL-C, and VLDL concentrations, and thus, remitting the diagnosis of mixed dyslipidemia in 90% of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep seawater (DSW) has been investigated for its lipid-lowering effects, but clinical evidence is still far from conclusive. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the effects of refined DSW (RDSW) on hypercholesterolemia. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 78 Korean participants were randomized to either an RDSW group that drank RDSW for 8 weeks or a placebo group. Clinical laboratory information was collected from all subjects at 0, 4, and 8 weeks. Both groups showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC), whereas only the RDSW group demonstrated a significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) during the study. Stratified analysis of both groups revealed a significant reduction of TC in the moderately high TC subgroup. However, only the RDSW exhibited a significant decline of LDL-c in the high LDL-c subgroup. In addition, lipoprotein(a) decreased significantly in the RDSW group, but not in the placebo. RDSW did not affect other lipid profiles, including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), triglyceride, free fatty acid, apolipoproteins, and other markers including inflammation marker, hematological parameters, blood and urine chemistry, and vital signs. RDSW improved lipid profiles by decreasing TC and LDL-c while maintaining HDL-c levels in people with hypercholesterolemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke remains a major cause of human disability worldwide. Interventions and rehabilitation at the poststroke stage are critical for recovery. A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted on 61 patients diagnosed with subacute stage of ischemic stroke. Ingestion of Nattospecs was tested as an adjuvant to support rehabilitation when combined with standard of care (SOC) treatment (electroacupuncture and Naatrapyl) (Trial group) and compared to SOC treatment alone (Control group). After 60 days, results showed that both Trial and Control groups achieved significant improvements in physical activities, blood pressure control, serum lipid panels, and quality of life. Nattospes as a food supplement has good supportive effects on treatment and rehabilitation after ischemic stroke by showing statistically significant improvement of stroke-related symptom in scores from modified Rankin, Orgogozo, and Barthel scales. In addition, Nattospes showed a good safety profile, with no adverse effects reported in both clinical and paraclinical parameters. This study indicated that Nattospes as nutraceutical supplement can be applied safely and effectively in the management of subacute stage ischemic stroke. The findings of the study may also encourage further extensive clinical trials to fully explore the prospect of Nattospes as a nutraceutical adjunct in the management of cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Rice bran oil (RBO) is a major source of monounsaturated fatty acid and gamma-oryzanol, which may assist in lowering blood lipids and oxidative stress. This study examined the effects of RBO containing different amounts of gamma-oryzanol on blood lipid, antioxidant, and inflammatory markers. Materials and methods: A total of 59 hyperlipidemic subjects completed the study. They were divided into four groups: RBO1 (4,000 ppm gamma-oryzanol, n = 14), RBO2 (8,000 ppm gamma-oryzanol, n = 15), RBO3 (11,000 ppm gamma-oryzanol, n = 15), and control (soybean oil, n = 15). The assigned oil (30 mL) was incorporated into three cooked meals each day for 4 weeks. Anthropometrical measurements and blood samples were taken to evaluate body weight, body composition, lipid parameters, antioxidant status, and inflammatory markers before and after the intervention. Results: Compared with the control, consumption of RBO significantly decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (percentage change: −0.8% [control]; −8% [RBO1]; −11.8% [RBO2]; and −12.2% [RBO3], p = 0.012) with the greatest change found in RBO2 and RBO3. In addition, antioxidant status also improved significantly. Levels of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) increased after consumption of a diet with RBO compared with consumption of a diet with soybean oil (ORAC: −2.7% [control]; 4.1% [RBO1]; 8.6% [RBO2]; and 10.1% [RBO3], p < 0.001; FRAP: −4.4% [control]; 4.7% [RBO1]; 7.4% [RBO2]; and 7.6% [RBO3], p < 0.001). Conclusions: RBO with gamma-oryzanol could decrease LDL-C levels and increase antioxidant capacity in hyperlipidemic subjects. Therefore, RBO consumption may reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous work had shown the ability of an aqueous leaf and stem extract of Cissus quandrangularis (300 mg of CQR, CQR-300) to improve components of metabolic syndrome (MS) in overweight individuals. Objective: This small pilot study aimed to confirm the efficacy of CQR-300 in reducing the percentage body fat measured using two different methods—bioelectrical impedance assay versus dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Design: The study was an 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial on 67 individuals who were requested by a dietary counselor to maintain their normal exercise and dietary routines. Participants were randomly divided into two groups, placebo (32 participants) and the CQR-300 group (35 participants), and received 300 mg of corn starch or CQR-300 daily. Methods: Body fat was measured by bioelectrical impedance using a TANITA impedance meter and by DEXA, with blood samples taken at baseline and at 8 weeks for the measurement of lipid parameters. Results: After 8 weeks of treatment, participants of the placebo group showed a 1.05% decrease in body fat as determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis, but no difference using DEXA. In the same time period, the CQR-300 group had an 8.9% and 12.8% decreases in the body fat as measured by impedance and DEXA, respectively. These values were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the placebo. Compared with the placebo, the CQR-300 group demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) decreases in the waist and hip circumferences, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, as well as leptin levels. On the contrary, there were significant (p < 0.05) increases in HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin levels. Conclusion:CQR-300 administered as a single 300 mg dose daily was effective in reducing body fat as well as improving blood parameters associated with MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health benefits of raw garlic intake has been extensively studied, but little is known about the biological effects of aged garlic consumption. A randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm, double-blinded trial involving 41 hypercholesterolemic individuals was conducted to simultaneously examine and compare the blood lipid lowering and antioxidant effects after acute and extended exposures to aged and raw garlic supplements (1080 mg daily). Aged and raw garlic did not affect blood lipid concentrations in these hypercholesterolemic participants after acute and 13-week supplementation. The plasma and urinary F2-isoprostanes concentrations were significantly decreased after 13 weeks of aged garlic treatment. Aged garlic supplementation over 13 weeks also significantly decreased serum lipid hydroperoxide concentration and myeloperoxidase activity. Raw garlic treatments did not affect the F2-isoprostanes concentrations in blood plasma and urine, and lipid hydroperoxides in blood sera. Acute effects on the measured parameters were absent for both garlic treatments. In separate in vitro experiments, aqueous methanolic extract of aged garlic inhibited F2-isoprostanes formation and myeloperoxidase activity in freshly isolated human neutrophils to a greater extent than the raw garlic extract and S-allylcysteine at equivalent dosing concentrations. The aged garlic preparation was found to contain significantly higher total phenolic and Sallylcysteine contents than the raw garlic precursor. Our data showed that supplementation with aged garlic, not its raw garlic precursor, reduced oxidative stress and alleviated lipid peroxidation, possibly via the inhibition of myeloperoxidase. The differential antioxidant actions of the aged and raw garlic may be related to their different total phenolic contents and, to a lesser extent, their S-allylcysteine contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has become a serious health risk among pregnant women throughout the world. Phytosterol-enriched margarines are capable of lowering total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), but little is known about its effects on GDM. We aimed to examine the effects of daily consumption of a phytosterol-enriched spread on insulin resistance and lipid profile in pregnant GDM women.Methods: Pregnant women suffering from GDM in their second trimester were recruited and randomly assigned to consume a margarine spread either with or without phytosterols daily for 16 weeks. Serum lipid profile and glucose and insulin metabolisms were assessed at week 0 (baseline) and week 16 (end of trial).Results: After 16 weeks, levels of triacylglycerol, TC, and LDL were significantly decreased, while high-density lipoprotein was significantly increased, compared with the baseline in the phytosterol group. In addition, in the same treatment group, glucose metabolic parameters, including fasting plasma glucose, serum insulin levels, the quantitative insulin check index, homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance, and β-cell function, were also significantly improved.Conclusion: Daily consumption of a phytosterol-enriched spread improved insulin resistance and lipid profile in women with GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the effects of Brassica rapa ethanol extract (BREE) on body composition and plasma lipid profiles through a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial in overweight subjects. Fifty-eight overweight participants (age 20-50 years, body mass index23.0-24.9) were randomly assigned to two groups and served BREE (2 g/day) or placebo (starch, 2 g/day) for 10 weeks. Body compositions, nutrients intake, plasma lipids, adipocytokines, and hepatotoxicity biomarkers were assessed in all subjects at baseline and after 10 weeks of supplementation. The plasma total cholesterol (total-C) concentration was significantly increased after 10 weeks compared to the baseline in both groups. However, BREE supplementation significantly increased the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration and significantly reduced the total-C/HDL-C ratio, free fatty acid, and adipsin levels after 10 weeks. No significant differences were observed in body compositions, fasting blood glucose, plasma adipocytokines except adipsin, and aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities between before and after trial within groups as well as between the two groups. The supplementation of BREE partially improves plasma lipid metabolism in overweight subjects without adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective/setting: This study assessed the effectiveness of milled and whole chia seed in altering disease risk factors in overweight, postmenopausal women using a metabolomics approach. Design/intervention: Subjects were randomized to chia seed (whole or milled) and placebo (poppy seed) groups, and under double-blinded procedures ingested 25 g chia seed or placebo supplements each day for 10 weeks. Subjects: Subjects included 62 overweight (body-mass index 25 kg/m2 and higher), nondiseased, nonsmoking, postmenopausal women, ages 49-75 years, with analysis based on the 56 subjects who completed all phases of the study. Outcome measures: Pre- and poststudy measures included body mass and composition, blood pressure and augmentation index, serum lipid profile, inflammation markers from fasting blood samples, plasma fatty acids, and metabolic profiling using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with multivariate statistical methods including principal component analysis and partial least-square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Results: Plasma α-linolenic acid ( N=ALA) increased 58% (interaction effect, p=0.002) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 39% ( p=0.016) in the milled chia seed group ( N=14) compared to nonsignificant changes in the whole chia seed ( N=16) and placebo ( N=26) groups. Pre-to-post measures of body composition, inflammation, blood pressure, augmentation index, and lipoproteins did not differ between chia seed (whole or milled) and placebo groups (all interaction effects, p>0.05). Global metabolic difference scores for each group calculated through PLS-DA models were nonsignificant ( Q2 Y<0.40), and fold-changes for 28 targeted metabolites associated with inflammation and disease risk factors did not differ between groups. Conclusions: Ingestion of 25 g/day milled chia seed compared to whole chia seed or placebo for 10 weeks by overweight women increased plasma ALA and EPA, but had no influence on inflammation or disease risk factors using both traditional and metabolomics-based measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to evaluate the effect of fucoidan administration on insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in overweight or obese adults. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in 25 obese or overweight volunteers. Thirteen patients received an oral dose of 500 mg of fucoidan once daily before breakfast and 12 patients received placebo for 3 months. Before and after the intervention, fasting glucose and 2-h postload, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and insulin levels were measured. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and homeostasis model analysis formulas (HOMA) for β-cell function and insulin resistance were calculated. The results showed a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure (71.7±12.2 vs. 67.8±13.8 mmHg; P<.05) and LDL-C (3.1±0.5 vs. 2.7±0.6 mmol/l; P<.01) with increase in insulin levels (60.6±24.0 vs. 78.6±32.4 pmol/l; P<.05), HOMA β-cell (35.0±20.8 vs. 50.6±18.7; P<.05) and HOMA IR (1.9±1.2 vs. 2.6±1.8; P<.05) were observed after fucoidan administration. We conclude that fucoidan administration during a 3-month period in overweight or obese adults decreased diastolic blood pressure and LDL-C concentrations, increasing insulin secretion and insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]