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1.
Efficacy of Bilberry and Grape Seed Extract Supplement Interventions to Improve Glucose and Cholesterol Metabolism and Blood Pressure in Different Populations-A Systematic Review of the Literature.
Grohmann, T, Litts, C, Horgan, G, Zhang, X, Hoggard, N, Russell, W, de Roos, B
Nutrients. 2021;(5)
Abstract
Intervention with fruit extracts may lower glucose and lipid levels, as well as blood pressure. We reviewed the efficacy of bilberry and grape seed extracts to affect these outcomes across populations with varying health status, age and ethnicity, across intervention doses and durations, in 24 intervention studies with bilberry and blackcurrant (n = 4) and grape seed extract (n = 20). Bilberry and blackcurrant extract lowered average levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), at least in Chinese subjects, especially in those who were older, who were diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and who were participating in longer-term studies. We also found good evidence that across studies and in subjects with hypercholesterolemia, T2DM or metabolic syndrome, intervention with bilberry and blackcurrant extract, and to some extent grape seed extract, significantly lowered total and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels after four weeks. Intervention with grape seed extract may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in subjects with hypertension or metabolic syndrome. Differential responsiveness in cholesterol and blood pressure outcomes between stratified populations could not be explained by age, dose or study duration. In conclusion, bilberry and blackcurrant extract appears effective in lowering HbA1c and total and LDL cholesterol, whereas grape seed extract may lower total and LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure, in specific population groups.
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2.
The use of Caralluma fimbriata as an appetite suppressant and weight loss supplement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.
Jayawardena, R, Francis, TV, Abhayaratna, S, Ranasinghe, P
BMC complementary medicine and therapies. 2021;(1):279
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity prevalence has increased during the past few decades, causing a pandemic with an influx in other co-morbidities. Many factors influence weight gain in an obesogenic environment therefore strategies for treating obesity may vary from conventional dietary and physical activity interventions to pharamacotherapy. A shift in unconventional strategies as herbal products for treating obesity have been investigated and one such plant extract is Caralluma fimbriata (C. fimbriata). Further, the studies included were systematically reviewed to gather evidence on potential effects of C. fimbriata as an appetite suppressant and weight loss supplement. METHODS A systematic review of clinical trials reporting the effects of C. fimbriata as appetite suppression and anti-obesity supplement was reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Data were obtained by searching three databases: PubMed®, Web of Science® and SciVerse Scopus® for studies published until 30th April 2020. RESULTS A total of 7 articles studying C. fimbriata satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were sourced from various countries including Australia (3), Cuba (1), India (2) and Spain (1). Almost all studies recruited adults who were overweight or obese with a BMI > 25 kg/m2 (n = 5), with the exception of two studies, one that recruited healthy adults with a BMI average of 26.5 kg/m2 and the second one utilised a population of children and adolescents with Prader-Willis Syndrome (PWS). Parameters assessing obesity, biochemical and appetite factors were analysed by carrying out a meta-analysis. Compared to placebo controlled group, C. fimbriata extract significantly reduced WC by 1.59 cm (95% CI, - 3.07 to - 0.10, p = 0.041) and WHR by 0.06 (95% CI, - 0.12 to - 0.01, p = 0.05) although no significant effects were seen on BW, BMI and HC. Biochemical and appetite parameters outcome on C. fimbriata consumption had no significant changes. Any side effects of individuals who ingested the extract were reported by few studies of which most common effects were constipation, diarrhoea, nausea and rashes. CONCLUSION Appetite parameters showed no significant changes and metabolic parameters did not improve with C.fimbriata supplementation therefore it is unlikely to recommend C. fimbriata as a weight loss supplement and an appetite suppressant.
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3.
Impact of Crocus Sativus L. on Metabolic Profile in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus or Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review.
Giannoulaki, P, Kotzakioulafi, E, Chourdakis, M, Hatzitolios, A, Didangelos, T
Nutrients. 2020;(5)
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental studies demonstrated a positive effect of administration of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) and its bioactive ingredients on metabolic profile through their antioxidant capacity. PURPOSE To determine if the use of saffron in humans is beneficial to patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) or metabolic syndrome (MS). METHODS This systematic review includes 14randomized control trials that investigated the impact of saffron administration and its bioactive ingredient crocin on the metabolic profile of patients with DM, MS, prediabetes, and coronary artery disease. We documented the following clinical outcomes: fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure. RESULTS Eight studies examined the efficacy of saffron in patients with DM, four with the metabolic syndrome, one with prediabetes and one with coronary artery disease. A favorable effect on FBG was observed. The results regarding blood lipids and blood pressure were inconclusive in the current review. CONCLUSIONS According to the available limited evidence, saffron may have a favorable effect on FBG. Many of the studies in the reviewed literature are of poor quality, and more research is needed in this direction to confirm and establish the above findings.
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4.
Effect of Daesiho-tang on obesity with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial.
Han, K, Kwon, O, Park, HJ, Jung, SY, Yang, C, Son, CG
Trials. 2020;(1):128
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high prevalence of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty acid disease has become an important public health problem. Daesiho-tang (DST) is an herbal medicine widely used to treat obesity, metabolic syndrome and liver diseases. This pilot study will assess the feasibility of using DST in obese patients with a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prior to undertaking a full-scale clinical trial. METHODS/DESIGN This is a study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, stratified, placebo-controlled pilot trial. We will recruit a total of 60 participants with NAFLD who have a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2. They will take either DST or placebo (3 g, three times daily) for 12 weeks with a 4-week follow-up period. The effects of DST will be evaluated by the mean change in body weight as the primary measurement and other secondary parameters (body composition, anthropometric measurements, blood tests, hepatic fat quantification through transient elastography and a physical symptoms questionnaire). Faecal samples will be collected before and after the intervention for a gut microbial analysis. DISCUSSION In anticipation of conducting further large-scale trials, in this study we will explore the effect of DST on weight loss and obesity-related markers, along with NAFLD-related clinical parameters, in obese patients with NAFLD. Furthermore, it will provide insight into the DST pharmacological mechanism of action through a gut microbiome analysis. TRIAL REGISTRATION Korean Clinical Trial Registry, KCT0003554. Registered on 25 February 2019.
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5.
A Randomized Crossover Intervention Study on the Effect a Standardized Maté Extract (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.) in Men Predisposed to Cardiovascular Risk.
Gebara, KS, Gasparotto Junior, A, Palozi, RAC, Morand, C, Bonetti, CI, Gozzi, PT, de Mello, MRF, Costa, TA, Cardozo Junior, EL
Nutrients. 2020;(1)
Abstract
(1) Background: Due to its richness in chlorogenic acids (CGAs), Maté (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.) could be of interest in the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases, however clinical evidence are lacking. This trial aimed to evaluate the impact of maté CGAs, consumed in a daily dose achievable through traditional maté beverages, on parameters related to cardiometabolic risk. (2) Design: Thirty-four male volunteers aged 45-65 years and with at most one criteria of metabolic syndrome, were recruited for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and crossover study. The volunteers were assigned to consume an encapsulated dry maté extract for four-weeks, providing 580 mg of caffeoyl quinic acid derivatives (CQAs) daily, or a placebo, with a two weeks washout between intervention periods. Anthropometric variables, blood pressure, plasma glucose, lipids, endothelial, and inflammatory biomarkers were measured in overnight-fasted subjects and after a glucose load. (3) Results: We found no significant effects of treatment on these parameters and the response to the glucose load was also similar between the two interventions. However, a significant decrease in fasting glucose was observed between day 0 and day 28 for the maté group only (-0.57 ± 0.11 mmol/L, p < 0.0002). In subjects with an intermediate to high Framingham risk score, consumption of maté extract induced a 10% increase of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-c from baseline. In a subgroup representative of the study population, significant decreases in the C-reactive protein (CRP) (-50%) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (-19%) levels were observed. (4) Conclusions: These clinical observations suggest that maté, naturally rich in CGAs, could improve some cardiometabolic markers in subjects with a higher predisposition to metabolic syndrome, even if that remains to be confirmed in new trials specifically targeting this population.
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6.
Green tea influences intestinal assimilation of lipids in humans: a pilot study.
Lisowska, A, Stawińska-Witoszyńska, B, Bajerska, J, Krzyżanowska, P, Walkowiak, J
European review for medical and pharmacological sciences. 2015;(2):209-14
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many data show that green tea (GT) consumption has a beneficial effect on human health, including antiinflammatory, antibacterial and anticarcinogenic activities. However, there are no data on the effect of long-term GT intake on lipid assimilation not related to luminal processes. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to assess the impact of a three-month diet enriched in green tea extract (GTE) on lipid digestion and absorption in obese humans with metabolic syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS Eight obese subjects aged 56-65 years, for three months, consumed a daily portion of GTE enriched bread. 13C-labelled mixed triglyceride breath test (13C MTG-BT) was performed twice; once before and once after three months of GTE consumption. Cumulative percentage dose recovery (CPDR) was assumed to reflect digestion and absorption of lipids. RESULTS Energy and macronutrient intake was stable within the period study. No significant changes in basic anthropological parameters (body weight, BMI, WC, WHR), body fat content (expressed as absolute and relative values), as well as of energy expenditure in the course of the study were observed. Significant decrease in lipid digestion and absorption as assessed using the 13C MTG-BT was observed. CPDR was lower after GTE intake (median <1st-3rd quartile>: 20.8% <14.9-25.6> vs. 15.5 <12.3-20.5>; p < 0.009). CONCLUSIONS Long-term diet containing GTE decreases lipid assimilation, but probably without involvement of luminal effects. However, further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis and to clarify underlying mechanism.
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7.
Coleus forskohlii Extract Supplementation in Conjunction with a Hypocaloric Diet Reduces the Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight and Obese Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Loftus, HL, Astell, KJ, Mathai, ML, Su, XQ
Nutrients. 2015;(11):9508-22
Abstract
Limited studies have shown that Coleus forskohlii extract may aid in weight management. This randomized, double blind placebo-controlled clinical study assessed the effects of supplementation with C. forskohlii extract on key markers of obesity and metabolic parameters in overweight and obese individuals. Thirty participants completed the trial and they were randomly assigned to receive either 250 mg of C. forskohlii extract (n = 15) or a placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. All participants were advised to follow a hypocaloric diet throughout the study. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumference, and waist to hip ratio, were monitored fortnightly. Dietary intake was assessed at the baseline and weeks 4, 8 and 12. Appetite was assessed using visual analogue scales and blood samples were analyzed for plasma lipids, ghrelin, leptin, glucose and insulin at the baseline and end of the intervention. Significant reductions to waist and hip circumference (p = 0.02; p = 0.01, respectively) were recorded in both experimental and placebo groups after the 12 week intervention. Furthermore, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly increased (p = 0.01) in both groups. The experimental group showed a favorable improvement in insulin concentration and insulin resistance (p = 0.001; 0.01 respectively) compared to the placebo group. These findings suggest that C. forskohlii extract in conjunction with a hypocaloric diet may be useful in the management of metabolic risk factors.
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8.
Immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory effects of garlic compounds.
Arreola, R, Quintero-Fabián, S, López-Roa, RI, Flores-Gutiérrez, EO, Reyes-Grajeda, JP, Carrera-Quintanar, L, Ortuño-Sahagún, D
Journal of immunology research. 2015;:401630
Abstract
The benefits of garlic to health have been proclaimed for centuries; however, only recently have Allium sativum and its derivatives been proposed as promising candidates for maintaining the homeostasis of the immune system. The complex biochemistry of garlic makes it possible for variations in processing to yield different preparations with differences in final composition and compound proportion. In this review, we assess the most recent experimental results, which indicate that garlic appears to enhance the functioning of the immune system by stimulating certain cell types, such as macrophages, lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells, and eosinophils, by mechanisms including modulation of cytokine secretion, immunoglobulin production, phagocytosis, and macrophage activation. Finally, because immune dysfunction plays an important role in the development and progress of several diseases, we critically examined immunoregulation by garlic extracts and compounds isolated, which can contribute to the treatment and prevention of pathologies such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disorders, gastric ulcer, and even cancer. We concluded that A. sativum modulates cytokine secretion and that such modulation may provide a mechanism of action for many of their therapeutic effects.
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9.
Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings.
Arentz, S, Abbott, JA, Smith, CA, Bensoussan, A
BMC complementary and alternative medicine. 2014;:511
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent, complex endocrine disorder characterised by polycystic ovaries, chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism leading to symptoms of irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism, acne and infertility. Evidence based medical management emphasises a multidisciplinary approach for PCOS, as conventional pharmaceutical treatment addresses single symptoms, may be contra-indicated, is often associated with side effects and not effective in some cases. In addition women with PCOS have expressed a strong desire for alternative treatments. This review examines the reproductive endocrine effects in PCOS for an alternative treatment, herbal medicine. The aim of this review was to identify consistent evidence from both pre-clinical and clinical research, to add to the evidence base for herbal medicine in PCOS (and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism) and to inform herbal selection in the provision clinical care for these common conditions. METHODS We undertook two searches of the scientific literature. The first search sought pre-clinical studies which explained the reproductive endocrine effects of whole herbal extracts in oligo/amenorrhoea, hyperandrogenism and PCOS. Herbal medicines from the first search informed key words for the second search. The second search sought clinical studies, which corroborated laboratory findings. Subjects included women with PCOS, menstrual irregularities and hyperandrogenism. RESULTS A total of 33 studies were included in this review. Eighteen pre-clinical studies reported mechanisms of effect and fifteen clinical studies corroborated pre-clinical findings, including eight randomised controlled trials, and 762 women with menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism and/or PCOS. Interventions included herbal extracts of Vitex agnus-castus, Cimicifuga racemosa, Tribulus terrestris, Glycyrrhiza spp., Paeonia lactiflora and Cinnamomum cassia. Endocrine outcomes included reduced luteinising hormone (LH), prolactin, fasting insulin and testosterone. There was evidence for the regulation of ovulation, improved metabolic hormone profile and improved fertility outcomes in PCOS. There was evidence for an equivalent effect of two herbal medicines and the pharmaceutical agents bromocriptine (and Vitex agnus-castus) and clomiphene citrate (and Cimicifuga racemosa). There was less robust evidence for the complementary combination of spirinolactone and Glycyrrhiza spp. for hyperandrogenism. CONCLUSIONS Preclinical and clinical studies provide evidence that six herbal medicines may have beneficial effects for women with oligo/amenorrhea, hyperandrogenism and PCOS. However the quantity of pre-clinical data was limited, and the quality of clinical evidence was variable. Further pre-clinical studies are needed to explain the effects of herbal medicines not included in this review with current clinical evidence but an absence of pre-clinical data.