Effects of a combined nutraceutical on glucose and lipid metabolism in women with post-menopausal incident metabolic syndrome: a double-blind, placebocontrolled, randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome is characterized by the impairment of several metabolic and haemodynamic parameters. Several natural compounds have just demonstrated to improve glucose and lipid levels in humans. Aim: To assess the short-term glucose and lipid-lowering effects of a combination of nutraceuticals based on Lagerstroemia speciosa, Berberis aristata, Curcuma longa, alpha-lipoic acid, chrome picolinate and folic acid in patients with post-menopausal incident metabolic syndrome. Methods: We performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial by enrolling 40 women in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and affected by metabolic syndrome occurred in menopause. After 2-week run-in period of dietary standardization, enrolled patients were allocated to active treatment or placebo for 8 weeks. Data related to lipid pattern, insulin resistance, liver function and hsCRP were obtained at the beginning and at the end of the study. Results: No patient experienced any subjective or laboratory adverse event. During the study, there were no significant changes in waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in either treatment groups. Subjects randomized to nutraceutical treatment experienced a significant improvement in triglycerides (TG=-32.2%), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C= +5.7%), fasting plasma insulin (FPI=-14.1%), and in homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-Index=-27.3%) versus the baseline values, as welle as compared to the placebo-treated group. Conclusions: The tested nutraceutical compound showed to be effective in improving TG, HDL-C, FPI and HOMA-Index, with an optimal tolerability profile in patients with post-menopausal incident metabolic syndrome.

Effects of Berberine on Bloog Glucose, Glycated Hemoglobin A1, Serum Insulin, C–Peptide, Insulin Resistance and β– Cell Physiology

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“…The findings of present study are also supported by recent studies [16,19,29]. present study, the fasting plasma insulin (FPI) and insulin resistance (HOMA by -14.1% and -27.3% respectivley this is in agreement with previous study [29]. Amelioration of HOMA-IR of present study is in agreement with previuos studies [27physiology (HOMA-β) of presen improvement of +2%, +18% and +82% in BBR present study, the insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) n of 24% in group C, -60% group 70% group E (P=0.0001) after 6 weeks cell activity (HOMA-β) improved by +2%, +18% and +82% in BBR treated groups C, D and E respectively (P=0.0001).…”

“…Previous studies [16,18,26] noticed glucose and fasting insulin cell physiology and (RIR) rat model. Reduction in insulin resistance is in agreement with a previous study [29] that noted improved insulin resistance, fasting and random blood glucose and serum insulin levels at 3 months of BBR therapy in type 2 diabetics. The findings of present study are also supported by recent studies [16,19,29].…”

“…Reduction in insulin resistance is in agreement with a previous study [29] that noted improved insulin resistance, fasting and random blood glucose and serum insulin levels at 3 months of BBR therapy in type 2 diabetics. The findings of present study are also supported by recent studies [16,19,29]. In asting plasma insulin (FPI) d insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were reduced 27.3% respectivley this is in agreement with previous study [29].…”

“…The β-cell activity (HOMA improved by +2%, +18% and +82% in BBR treated groups C, D and E respectively (P=0.0001). Finidngs are in agreement with previous studies [27][28][29]. [16,18,26] noticed glucose and fasting insulin reduction and improved βinsulin sensitivity in (RIR) rat model.…”