Short-Term Effects of Dry Extracts of Artichokeand Berberis in Hypercholesterolemic Patients Without Cardiovascular Disease

Am J Cardiol. 2019 Feb 15;123(4):588-591. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2018.11.018. Epub 2018 Nov 23.

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia represents one of the main reversible cardiovascular risk factors. In this pilot clinical trial, we have tested the short-term efficacy and safety of a new combined cholesterol-lowering nutraceutical containing artichoke dry extract and berberine at enhanced bioavailability in subjects with moderate polygenic hypercholesterolemia in primary prevention for cardiovascular disease. After 2 months of treatment, the tested nutraceutical induced a significant reduction in plasma total cholesterol (-19%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-16%), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-19%) and triglyceride levels (-15%), in association with a standardized control diet. No side effect has been observed during the trial. In conclusion, on the short-term, the tested nutraceutical has been shown to be well tolerated and effective, even if not containing any statin-like compound.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Berberis*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / blood
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Cynara scolymus*
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypercholesterolemia / complications
  • Hypercholesterolemia / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Triglycerides / blood

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • Triglycerides
  • Cholesterol