Aims: To report initial feasibility outcomes from a pilot study on the use of a potent antioxidant dietary supplement on several parameters in persons with or at risk of heart disease. Methods and Material: In this uncontrolled longitudinal pilot study, sixty-six participants received a dietary supplement consisting of Moringa oleifera, Bryophyllum pinnatum and vitamin C. Participants were instructed to consume one capsule daily for a period of six months. Once a month, blood work and a quality of life questionnaire were completed and the data recorded. Feasibility was based on the researcher's observations and collected data. Statistical analysis used: Due to the nature of the study no statistical packages were used. Excel spreadsheets and measures of location were used to analyze the data. Results: Recruitment and retention data was indicative of feasibility. With 37.9% of the registered participants being lost to follow-up. A 3.26% change in diastolic blood pressure was noted among female participants one month after their initial blood pressure was recorded. Blood glucose levels decreased among participants by 1.81% after three months of supplement use. High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels increased for both groups, with the males experiencing a 9.25% increase in their HDL levels. On the other hand, Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol levels among female participants decreased by 5.6%. Conclusions: The pilot data is supportive of the implementation of a randomized, long-term evidence-based intervention.

Introduction: Both Moringa oleifera and Bryophyllum pinnatum are well known phytotherapeutics with a range of potential applications that capitalize on their anti-oxidant properties, ranging from improving risk factors for cardiovascular disease to increasing sexual desire. The literature, however, mainly focuses on these effects in-vitro or in non-human subjects. Aims: We aimed to investigate the side effects of a combination agent with known proportions of these two phytotherapeutics, as well as to determine any effect on the human sexual drive. Method: Sixty nine (n=69) participants were enrolled in a prospective cohort study and followed up for a minimum of six months. Data regarding adverse effects and libido was determined from a 22-item Quality of Life questionnaire as well as a checklist of common side-effects completed at each monthly follow-up. Results: Eight participants were lost to follow-up; in the remaining participants there were no reported major adverse effects. No abnormal bleeding, urinary tract infections, asthma exacerbations, or changes in memory were reported. Minor issues reported by participants taking the agent included fluctuations in appetite (22.9%) and sleep pattern (16.4%), gastrointestinal upset

Hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes are risks factors associated with cardiovascular disease; with hypertension being the leading risk factor. Here we investigated the effect of a herbal combination of Moringa oleifera, Bryophylum pinnatum and vitamin C on specific parameters in persons with or at risk for cardiovascular disease. Objective: To determine the outcome regarding the use of a potent antioxidant dietary supplement consisting of Moringa oleifera, Bryophyllum pinnatum and Vitamin C on blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood glucose levels in persons with or at risk for cardiovascular disease. Materials: Sixty-six participants received a potent antioxidant dietary supplement formulated from vitamin C, and the herbs Moringa oleifera and Bryophyllum pinnatum. Participants were screened and provided with the dietary supplement in the form of a capsule, and were instructed to consume one capsule daily for a period of six months. At the commencement of the study and once a month, participants' blood pressure was assessed and, blood tests and a quality of life questionnaire were completed in the clinical setting. The data obtained from the laboratory tests and the questionnaires was recorded. The accumulated data and the researcher's observations were used to determine feasibility. Results: Of the participants initially screened at the commencement of the study, 62.1% completed the study. After one month of supplement use female participants experienced a 3.26% change in diastolic blood pressure. After three months of supplement use blood glucose levels among participants decreased by 1.81%. Laboratory tests results showed that Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased by 5.6% among female participants only, whereas High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased among all participants. Conclusion: Aggregate data suggests that this specific formulation of Moringa oleifera, Bryophyllum pinnatum and vitamin C, may assist with the management of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and is supportive of the implementation of a long-term randomized clinical trial.

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