Acute and Long Term Effects of a Nutraceutical Combination on Lipid Profile, Glucose Metabolism and Vascular Function in Patients with Dyslipidaemia with and Without Cigarette Smoking

Abstract

Introduction Lifestyle changes present a fundamental role in cardiovascular prevention. Nutraceuticals also supplementing diet could help in controlling the cardiometabolic risk. Aim (1) to evaluate acute effects of a combination of nutraceuticals (cNUT) on vascular function, BP, metabolism in dyslipidaemic patients before and after smoking; (2) to evaluate 12 weeks effects of the cNUT on lipid profile, insulin resistance and vascular function in patients with hypercholesterolemia not on statins. Methods After 14 d run-in period, 33 patients assumed a cNUT [patented formula containing: berberine (531.25 mg), red yeast rice powder (220 mg, 3.3 mg monacolin K) and leaf extract of Morus alba (200 mg) (LopiGLIK ® , Akademy Pharma)]. To evaluate acute effects, cNUT or cNUT + smoking (in smoking subjects) on the morning of the first day of the study and then 26 patients prolonged 12 weeks effects. Results In non smokers, cNUT improved FMD (p = 0.041 for treatment). In smokers, FMD decreased after smoking, this was counteracted by intake of cNUT. In smokers, DBP increased after smoking a cigarette (p = 0.042 for treatment), counteracted by the cNUT intake. In non smokers, thermogenesis was increased after cNUT administration (p < 0.0001 for treatment). After 12 weeks of cNUT, FMD significantly increased (p < 0.05) and SBP (p = 0.04), total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.03) decreased. Conclusions Our study suggests benefits of cNUT on cardiovascular prevention in hypercolesterolemic patients, non statin treated, that goes beyond the cholesterol and insulin resistance reduction protecting the subject from negative effects induced by smoking too.

Phytochemical Composition of Different Botanical Parts of Morus Species, Health Benefits and Application in Food Industry

“…Dietary supplement with the aim of controlling postprandial blood sugar. [181] A patented formula containing M. alba leaf extract (200 mg), along with berberine and red yeast rice powder has benefits on cardiovascular prevention in patients with dyslipidemia and reduces insulin resistance by protecting subjects from the side effects of smoking [195].…”

Supplementation with a Cocoa–Carob Blend, Alone or in Combination with Metformin, Attenuates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy, Cardiac Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Zucker Diabetic Rats

“…In the last years, natural products such as polyphenols have received widespread attention as a preventive approach to alleviate several cardiovascular diseases without adverse side effects [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]. In addition, the combination of pharmaceutical drugs and natural health substances with synergistic interactions could provide a way to make a more effective treatment [ 13 ].…”