Effect of sour tea supplementation on liver enzymes,lipid profile,blood pressure,and antioxidant status in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A double‐blind randomized controlled clinical trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of sour tea supplementation in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Seventy NAFLD patients were enrolled in this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Participants received sour tea in the form of a 450 mg capsule or a placebo capsule daily for 8 weeks. Anthropometric indices, liver enzymes, lipid profile, blood pressure, and antioxidant status were evaluated at the baseline and at the end of the study. Sixty‐one participants completed the study. After 8 weeks, sour tea administration significantly decreased serum triglyceride (TG) (p = .03), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p = .01), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p = .004) levels compared with the placebo. In addition, sour tea supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = .03) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p = .04), and a significant increase in serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels (p ? .001) compared with the placebo. However, no significant changes in anthropometric measures, total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c) levels were observed after sour tea supplementation compared with the placebo (p > .05). Sour tea supplementation may be effective in improving serum TG, liver enzymes, and blood pressure in patients diagnosed with NAFLD. Further studies are needed to address the exact mechanism of action of these effects.     

Hesperidin improves hepatic steatosis,hepatic enzymes,and metabolic and inflammatory parameters in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized,placebo‐controlled,double‐blind clinical trial

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hesperidin on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) characteristics. In this randomized, double‐blind, controlled clinical trial, 50 NAFLD patients were supplemented with either 1‐g hesperidin capsule or identical placebo capsule for 12 weeks. During the intervention, both groups were advised to follow healthy lifestyle habits including dietary and physical activity recommendations. At the end of the study, hesperidin supplementation, compared with placebo, was associated with a significant reduction in alanine aminotransferase (p = .005), γ‐glutamyltransferase (p = .004), total cholesterol (p = .016), triglyceride (p = .049), hepatic steatosis (p = .041), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (p = .029), tumor necrosis factor‐α, and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB). In conclusion, our results indicate that hesperidin supplementation accompanied with lifestyle modification is superior to lifestyle modification alone in management of NAFLD at least partially through inhibiting NF‐κB activation and improving lipid profile. Further studies with higher dose of hesperidin are required to find the optimal dose.     

Iron‐chelating effect of silymarin in patients with β‐thalassemia major: A crossover randomised control trial

This study aimed to determine the potential iron‐chelating effects of silymarin in patients with β‐thalassemia major receiving standard iron‐chelation therapy. We evaluated whether addition of silymarin to standard iron‐chelation therapy could improve iron burden markers and liver and cardiac function in these patients, via a placebo‐controlled, crossover clinical study. Silymarin (140 mg) or placebo were administered thrice daily to all patients (n = 82) for 12 weeks, and after a 2‐week washout period, patients were crossed over to the other groups. Silymarin efficacy was assessed by measuring serum iron level, ferritin level, total iron‐binding capacity and liver and cardiac function on magnetic resonance imaging. Silymarin treatment resulted in a negative change in the serum iron and ferritin levels and a positive change in the total iron‐binding capacity levels (treatment effect, p < .001, p = .06, and p = .05, respectively). Silymarin treatment led to positive changes in cardiac and liver function in both treatment sequences of study; however, this was not statistically significant. There was a negative change in liver iron concentration in both treatment sequences (treatment effect, p = .02). In conclusion, combined iron‐chelation and silymarin therapy was effective for improving the iron‐burden status in patients with β‐thalassemia major.     

The effects of black seed supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized,double‐blind,placebo‐controlled clinical trial

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly related to cardiovascular disorders risk factors. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of black seed (Nigella sativa) supplementation on cardiovascular disorders risk factors in patients with NAFLD. This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was conducted on 50 patients with NAFLD. Participants were assigned to receive a lifestyle modification plus 2 g/day of either N. sativa or placebo for 12 weeks. Compared with the placebo, N. sativa supplementation led to significant reductions in serum glucose (?7.95 vs. ?1.22; p = .041), serum insulin (?3.87 vs. ?1.07; p = .027), homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (?1.02 vs. ?0.28; p = .021), and a significant increase in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (0.03 vs. 0.006; p = .002). All of these changes were remained significant after adjusting for known confounding variables; however, there was no significant difference in lipid profile changes between the two groups (p = .05). N. sativa supplementation significantly decreased hepatic steatosis percentage compared with the placebo after adjustment for confounding variables (p = .005). In conclusion, our results indicate that daily intake of 2‐g N. sativa plus lifestyle modification is superior to lifestyle modification alone in amelioration of insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in patients with NAFLD.     

The Efficacy of Licorice Root Extract in Decreasing Transaminase Activities in Non‐alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

This study was performed to investigate the effects of licorice on non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this double blind randomized clinical trial, 66 patients were divided into case and control groups. All patients had elevated liver enzymes and had increased liver echogenicity (lipid accumulation) on sonography. The case group was treated with one capsule containing 2 g aqueous licorice root extract per day for 2 months while the control group was treated in the same manner with a placebo. Weight, body mass index (BMI) and liver transaminase levels were measured for each patient before and after the study. In the case group, the mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level decreased from 64.09 to 51.27 IU/mL and the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level decreased from 58.18 to 49.45 IU/mL, which were statistically significant (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). But in the control group, a drop in the ALT and AST levels was not statistically significant. The BMI difference before and after the study was not statistically significant in both groups. Despite the significant drop in liver enzymes following administration of licorice root extract, it is recommended that further studies that include histological examination are necessary. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Possible therapeutic effect of carvacrol on asthmatic patients: A randomized,double blind,placebo‐controlled,Phase II clinical trial

The relaxant effects of carvacrol, a phenolic monoterpene, on tracheal smooth muscle and its preventive effect on asthmatic animals were reported. The effect of carvacrol in asthmatic patients was examined in the placebo group (Group P, n = 11) receiving placebo and treatment group (Group C, n = 12), which received carvacrol capsule (1.2 mg/kg/day) for 2 months in a double‐blind manner. Pulmonary function tests, respiratory symptoms, hematological indices, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) were measured before, 1 and 2 months after starting treatment. At the end of treatment period, Pulmonary function tests values in Group C were significantly increased (p < .05 to p < .001). Most respiratory symptoms were also significantly reduced in Group C at the end of 2‐month treatment (p < .05 to p < .001). Total and differential white blood cell (p < .05 to p < .001), as well as serum levels of hs‐CRP in Group C were also significantly reduced after 2‐month treatment with carvacrol (p < .001). Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit were changed in Group C (p < .05 and p < .01, respectively). However, in Group P, there was no significant changes in the evaluated parameters. Pulmonary function tests were increased but respiratory symptoms, inflammatory cells, and hs‐CRP were reduced in asthmatic patients who received carvacrol that indicates its therapeutic effect on asthma.     

Does turmeric/curcumin supplementation improve serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the efficacy of turmeric/curcumin supplementation on serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to November 20, 2018. Studies that examined the effect of turmeric/curcumin on serum concentrations of ALT and AST among patients with NAFLD were included. The mean difference and standard deviation (SD) of changes in ALT and AST between intervention and control groups were used as effect size for the meta‐analysis. A total of six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for meta‐analysis. Results from pooled analysis revealed that turmeric/curcumin supplementation reduced ALT (MD: ?7.31 UL/L, 95% CI [?13.16, ?1.47], p = 0.014) and AST (MD: ?4.68 UL/L, 95% CI [?8.75 ?0.60], p = 0.026). When RCTs stratified on the basis of their treatment duration, the significant reduction in serum concentrations of ALT and AST was observed only in studies lasting less than 12 weeks. This review suggests that turmeric/curcumin might have a favorable effect on serum concentrations of ALT and AST in patients with NAFLD. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.     

The effects of curcumin supplementation on high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein,serum adiponectin,and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized,double‐blind,placebo‐controlled trial

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common and important metabolic diseases in human. Curcumin, which is a natural polyphenol found in turmeric, can be used in treatment of diabetes complications for its antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In this double‐blind randomized clinical trial, 44 patients with Type 2 diabetes randomly assigned to curcumin or placebo group. Patients consumed either 1,500‐mg curcumin or placebo daily for 10 weeks. Anthropometric measurements were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Serum concentrations of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, and adiponectin were determined after 12‐hr fasting at the beginning and end of study. The mean serum level of TG decreased in curcumin group compared with baseline (109 ± 36 vs. 124 ± 36; p < 0.05). At the end of study, the mean concentration of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein decreased in the curcumin group compared to the control (2.9 ± 2.9 vs. 3.4 ± 4.2; p < 0.05). The mean serum concentration of adiponectin increased (64 ± 3 vs. 63 ± 4; p < 0.05) in the treatment group compared with the placebo at the end of the study. The results of the current study indicate that curcumin consumption may reduce diabetes complications through decreasing TG level as well as indicators of inflammation.     

Metabolic effect of berberine–silymarin association: A meta‐analysis of randomized,double‐blind,placebo‐controlled clinical trials

The aim of this study is to assess the impact of a combination of berberine and silymarin on serum lipids and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) through a systematic review of literature and meta‐analysis of the available randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trials (RCTs). A systematic literature search in SCOPUS, PubMed‐Medline, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases was conducted up to October 2, 2018, in order to identify RCTs assessing changes in plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and FPG during treatment with berberine and silymarin in combination. Two review authors independently extracted data on study characteristics, methods, and outcomes. Quantitative data synthesis was performed using a random‐effects model. We identified five eligible RCTs, with 497 subjects overall included. Berberine and silymarin combination treatment exerted a positive effect on TC (mean difference [MD]: ?25.3, 95% CI [?39.2, ?11.4] mg/dl; p < 0.001), TG (MD: ?28, 95% CI [?35.3, ?20.6] mg/dl; p < 0.001), HDL‐C [MD: 6, 95% CI [3.2, 8.8] mg/dl; p < 0.001), LDL‐C (MD: ?29.1, 95% CI [?39.7, ?18.6] mg/dl; p < 0.001), and FPG (MD: ?7.5, 95% CI [?13, ?1.9] mg/dl; p = 0.008). The present findings suggest that the coadministration of berberine and silymarin is associated with an advantageous improvement in lipid and glucose profile, suggesting the possible use of this nutraceutical combination in order to promote the cardiometabolic health.     

Celastrol inhibits growth and metastasis of human gastric cancer cell MKN45 by down‐regulating microRNA‐21

Celastrol could inhibit cancer cell growth in vitro. However, effect(s) of celastrol on gastric cancer is not well studied. Therefore, we investigated the effects of celastrol on human gastric cancer cell line MKN45 and the underlying mechanisms. We found that celastrol inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and induced cell apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest (p < .05, p < .01, or p < .001). Under celastrol treatment, overexpression of microRNA‐21 (miR‐21) increased cell viability, migration, and invasion and inhibited cell apoptosis compared with negative control (p < .05, p < .01, or p < .001). In addition, the phosphorylation of PTEN was significantly up‐regulated, whereas PI3K, AKT, p65, and IκBα phosphorylation was statistically decreased by celastrol (p < .05 or p < .01) and then further reversed by miR‐21 overexpression (p < .05 or p < .01). On the other side, miR‐21 silence showed contrary results (p < .05) as relative to miR‐21 overexpression. In conclusion, celastrol inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion and inactivates PTEN/PI3K/AKT and nuclear factor κB signaling pathways in MKN45 cells by down‐regulating miR‐21.     

The effect of hydroalcoholic Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) extract on fasting plasma glucose,HbA1c,lipid profile,liver, and renal function tests in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double‐blind clinical trial

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that manifested as hyperglycemia due to the defect in secretion or function of insulin. Studies have shown that saffron and its derivatives cause a significant reduction in plasma glucose levels in experimental models. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the saffron extract on fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin level (HbA1c), lipid profile, liver enzymes, and renal function tests in type 2 diabetic patients. In this double‐blind randomized clinical trial, 64 type 2 diabetic patients who were on oral anti‐diabetic drugs were examined. Participants received either 15 mg of saffron or placebo capsules (two pills per day) for 3 months. Anthropometric indices, dietary intake, FPG, HbA1c, lipid profiles, liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), and renal function (BUN, Cr.) tests were measured pre and post intervention after 3 months. Independent t test and paired t test were used for data analysis. After 3‐months intervention, mean difference of FPG, Cholesterol, LDL‐c, and LDL/HDL ratio between two groups showed significant reduction(p < 0.0001), but HbA1c, HDL‐C, API, TG showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). In saffron group, FPG, HbA1c, cholesterol, LDL‐c, and LDL/HDL ratio decreased significantly after 3‐months intervention compare with baseline (p < 0.0001).     

Insulin resistance improvement by cinnamon powder in polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized double‐blind placebo controlled clinical trial

Our aim is to assess the effect of cinnamon powder capsules on insulin resistance, anthropometric measurements, glucose and lipid profiles, and androgens of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Out of 80 women that were diagnosed as PCOS by Rotterdam Criteria, 66 were enrolled in this randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial. All of the PCOS women were taking medroxy progesterone acetate 10 mg/day for the last 10 days of their menstrual cycles. The cases were randomly allocated to 2 groups. The women in the first group were treated by cinnamon powder capsules 1.5 g/day in 3 divided doses for 12 weeks and the second group by similar placebo capsules. Anthropometric measurements, fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin, blood glucose 2 hr after taking 75 g oral glucose, HbA1c, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, triglyceride, and cholesterol (low‐density lipoprotein, high‐density lipoprotein, and total) before and after the intervention were evaluated and compared as outcome measures. Fasting insulin (p = .024) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (p = .014) were reduced after 12 weeks in the cinnamon group compared with the placebo. There was also a significant decrease in low‐density lipoprotein in cinnamon group (p = .004) as compared with baseline that caused significant difference with placebo (p = .049). However, changes in other outcome measurements did not lead to statistically significant difference with placebo. The present results suggest that complementary supplementation of cinnamon significantly reduced fasting insulin and insulin resistance in women with PCOS.     

Blood pressure lowering and anti‐inflammatory effects of hesperidin in type 2 diabetes; a randomized double‐blind controlled clinical trial

Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species under diabetic condition lead to vascular complications and inflammation. This study aimed to examine the effects of hesperidin supplement on blood pressure and inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes. In this research, 64 patients were randomly allocated to receive 500 mg/day hesperidin or placebo capsules for 6 weeks. Data on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 (IL‐6), and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) were collected at the baseline and at the end of the study. In the hesperidin group, SBP (122.7 ± 8.5 vs. 119.0 ± 7.4; p = .005), mean arterial blood pressure (94.2 ± 5.5 vs. 91.8 ± 5.5; p = .009), IL‐6 (8.3 ± 2.1 vs. 7.4 ± 1.8; p = .001), and hs‐CRP (1.9 ± 1.2 vs. 1.1 ± 0.9; p < .000) decreased whereas TAC increased (0.74 ± 0.1 vs. 0.82 ± 0.1; p < .000) in comparison to the baseline values. There was a significant difference in mean percent change of SBP, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, serum TAC, and inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL‐6, and hs‐CRP) between hesperidin and control groups following intervention in adjusted models (p < .05). These results suggest that hesperidin may have antihypertensive and anti‐inflammatory effects in type 2 diabetes.     

An investigation of the effects of curcumin on iron overload,hepcidin level,and liver function in β‐thalassemia major patients: A double‐blind randomized controlled clinical trial

This study investigated the effects of curcumin, the active polyphenol in turmeric, on iron overload, hepcidin level, and liver function in β‐thalassemia major patients. This double‐blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 68 β‐thalassemia major patients. The subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups to receive either 500 mg curcumin capsules (total: 1,000 mg) twice daily or placebo for 12 weeks. Dietary intakes and biochemical variables including hemoglobin, transferrin saturation, total iron binding capacity, nontransferrin bound iron (NTBI), ferritin, hepcidin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were assessed at the beginning and end of the trial. Curcumin significantly reduced serum levels of NTBI (2.83 ± 1.08 compared with 2.22 ± 0.97 μmol/L, p = .001), ALT (42.86 ± 11.15 compared with 40.60 ± 9.89 U/L, p = .018), and AST (49.45 ± 12.39 compared with 46.30 ± 10.85 U/L, p = .002) at the end of the study. Based on analysis of covariance, a significant decrease was also observed in levels of NTBI (2.22 ± 0.97 vs. 2.55 ± 0.94 μmol/L, p = .026), ALT (40.60 ± 9.89 vs. 45.01 ± 10.42 U/L, p = .004), and AST (46.30 ± 10.85 vs. 50.99 ± 9.36 U/L, p = .009) in curcumin group in comparison with placebo group. There were no significant changes in hepcidin and other variables in any of the 2 groups. Curcumin administration alleviated iron burden and liver dysfunction by reducing NTBI, ALT, and AST levels in patients with β‐thalassemia major.

     

Efficacy of a Proprietary Trigonella foenum‐graecum L. De‐Husked Seed Extract in Reducing Menopausal Symptoms in Otherwise Healthy Women: A Double‐Blind,Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Study

Trigonella foenum‐graecum seed extract has demonstrated hormone modulatory activity, providing biological plausibility for relieving menopausal symptoms. The study aimed to assess efficacy of a standardized T. foenum‐graecum de‐husked seed extract in reducing menopausal symptoms in healthy aging women. The study was a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial that recruited 115 women aged 40 to 65 years of which 59 were allocated to active (n = 54 completed) and 56 to placebo (n = 50 completed). Active treatment was T. foenum‐graecum de‐husked seed extract, 600 mg per day for 12 weeks. Outcome measures included Menopause‐Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire, frequency of hot flushes and night sweats and serum estradiol levels. There was a significant reduction in menopausal symptoms in the active group compared with placebo as assessed by total MENQOL score (p < 0.001); reflected by significant improvements in the vasomotor (p < 0.001), psychosocial (p < 0.001), physical (p < 0.001) and sexual symptoms (p < 0.001) domains. Vasomotor outcomes correlated with hot flushes, the active group reporting significantly less daytime hot flushes and night sweats at 12 weeks (p < 0.001). The average estradiol levels were similar in both the active group and placebo group after treatment. This study demonstrated that this proprietary T. foenum‐graecum de‐husked seed extract may reduce menopausal symptoms in healthy women. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of curcumin supplementation on disease severity in patients with liver cirrhosis: A randomized controlled trial

Recent reports indicated that curcumin had beneficial effects in animal models of liver injury and cirrhosis. Current study aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation in patients with liver cirrhosis. In this randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial, 70 patients with liver cirrhosis aged 20–70 years were randomly divided into two groups to receive 1,000 mg/day curcumin (n = 35) or placebo (n = 35) for 3 months. Model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) (i), MELD, MELD‐Na, and Child–Pugh scores were used to assess the severity of cirrhosis. Sixty patients (29 in the curcumin group and 31 in the placebo group) completed the study. MELD(i) (15.55 ± 3.78 to 12.41 ± 3.07), MELD (15.31 ± 3.07 to 12.03 ± 2.79), MELD‐Na (15.97 ± 4.02 to 13.55 ± 3.51), and Child–Pugh (7.17 ± 1.54 to 6.72 ± 1.31) scores decreased significantly in the curcumin group after 3‐month intervention (p < .001, p < .001, p = .001, and p = .051, respectively), whereas they increased significantly in the placebo group (p < .001, p < .001, p < .001, p = .001, respectively). Significant differences were only observed between the two groups in MELD(i), MELD, MELD‐Na, and Child–Pugh scores after 3‐month intervention (p < .001 for all of them). In this pilot study, beneficial effects of curcumin supplementation were observed in decreasing disease activity scores and severity of cirrhosis in patients with cirrhosis.     

布渣叶对非酒精性脂肪性肝病小鼠的作用及机制

目的:探讨布渣叶对非酒精性脂肪性肝病(non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,NAFLD)模型小鼠的肝脏是否具有保护作用及其机制。方法:将BALB/c小鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、辛伐他汀组(2.5 mg·kg~(-1)),布渣叶低、高剂量组(3.5,7.0 g·kg~(-1)),用高糖高脂饲料喂养12周制备NAFLD模型,灌胃给药,每天1次,28 d测定甘油三酯(triglyceride,TG),胆固醇(cholesterol,TC),高密度脂蛋白(high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,HDL-C),低密度脂蛋白(low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,LDL-C),丙氨酸氨基转氨酶(alanine aminotransferase,ALT),天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(aspartate aminotransferase,AST),计算肝指数(肝湿重/体重×100%);黄嘌呤氧化酶法测定肝匀浆中超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)活性、硫代巴比妥酸法测定丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)含量;用蛋白免疫印迹法(Western blot)检测肝组织中脂联素受体2(adiponectin receptor 2,Adipo R2)蛋白表达;光镜观察肝组织形态改变。结果:与正常组比较,模型组小鼠TC,TG,LDL-C,AST,ALT水平及肝指数显著升高(P0.01),HDL-C含量下降(P0.01);肝组织中SOD活性下降(P0.01),MDA含量显著升高(P0.01);肝组织中Adipo R2蛋白表达减少(P0.01),肝脏脂肪变明显(P0.01)。与模型组比较,布渣叶可降低血清TC,TG,LDL-C,AST,ALT水平及肝指数(P0.01);降低肝组织中MDA含量(P0.01),提高SOD活性(P0.01);肝组织中Adipo R2蛋白表达增加(P0.05);肝细胞脂肪变性程度明显减轻(P0.01)。结论:布渣叶对NAFLD模型小鼠具有降脂、保肝作用,其机制可能与抑制氧化应激、增加Adipo R2的表达有关。     

Effects of Curcumin on Serum Vitamin E Concentrations in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome

Vitamin E is an important lipid‐soluble antioxidant. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of curcumin on serum vitamin E levels in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). A total of 120 subjects aged 18–65 years old with MetS were recruited in this study according to the International Diabetic Federation Criteria. Included subjects were randomized into three groups: subjects receiving lecithinized curcumin (1 g/day equivalent to 200‐mg pure curcumin per day) for a period of 6 weeks )n = 40), patients receiving unformulated curcumin (1 g/day) for a period of 6 weeks )n = 40) and a control group receiving placebo for the same period (n = 40). Vitamin E was determined in all patients before and after the intervention using high‐performance liquid chromatography method. Results showed that curcumin has no improving effect on serum levels of vitamin E (p > 0.05). There were significant differences between pre‐trial and post‐trial levels of vitamin E/low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (p < 0.05), vitamin E/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (p < 0.05), vitamin E/total cholesterol ratio (p < 0.01) and vitamin E/triglyceride ratio (p < 0.05) between the three groups of the study. Results of the present study did not suggest any improving effect of curcumin supplementation on serum vitamin E concentrations in subjects with MetS. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effects of curcumin supplementation on body mass index,body weight,and waist circumference in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major cause of liver‐related morbidity; its prevalence is elevating due to the rising epidemic of obesity. Several clinical trials have examined the effects of curcumin supplementation on anthropometric variables in NAFLD patients with inconclusive results. This dose–response meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of curcumin supplementation on body mass index (BMI), body weight, and waist circumference (WC) in patients with NAFLD. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Sid.ir, and Magiran.com to identify eligible studies up to March 2019. A meta‐analysis of eligible studies was performed using the random‐effects model to estimate the pooled effect size. Eight randomized controlled trials with 520 participants (curcumin group = 265 and placebo group = 255) were included. Supplementation dose and duration ranged from 70 to 3,000 mg/day and 8 to 12 weeks, respectively. Curcumin supplementation significantly reduced BMI (weighted mean difference [WMD] = ?0.34 kg/m², 95% CI [?0.64, ?0.04], p < .05) and WC (WMD = ?2.12 cm, 95% CI [?3.26, ?0.98], p < .001). However, no significant effects of curcumin supplementation on body weight were found. These results suggest that curcumin supplementation might have a positive effect on visceral fat and abdominal obesity that have been associated with NAFLD.     

九味肝泰胶囊对高脂饮食诱导大鼠非酒精性脂肪肝的治疗作用

目的研究九味肝泰胶囊对高脂饮食诱导的大鼠非酒精性脂肪性肝病(NAFLD)的治疗作用和可能机制。方法采用高脂饮食诱导大鼠NAFLD动物模型。设对照组,模型组,水飞蓟素阳性对照组(0.05 g/kg),九味肝泰胶囊高、中、低剂量(1.80、0.90、0.45g/kg)组。除对照组给予普通饲料饲养外,其他各组以高脂饲料喂养,饲养10周。从第5周开始,4个给药组分别ig给予相应药物,共给药6周。观察和检测大鼠体质量、肝湿质量、肝脏指数和肝脏形态学变化;检测血清中的高密度脂蛋白-胆固醇(HDL-C)、游离脂肪酸(FFA)、天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)、丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)水平;检测肝脏组织中总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)水平。结果与模型组比较,九味肝泰胶囊高、中剂量组能显著降低NAFLD大鼠血清中的FFA、AST、ALT水平(P0.05),升高HDL-C水平(P0.05);显著降低NAFLD大鼠肝脏组织中的TC、TG、MDA水平(P0.05),升高SOD的活性(P0.05);NAFLD大鼠的肝组织病理学形态均得到不同程度改善,大鼠肝组织脂肪变程度减轻。结论九味肝泰胶囊对NAFLD大鼠具有调节脂质和保护肝脏的作用,其作用机制可能与减少脂质在肝脏的沉积、减轻过氧化损伤有关。