Lipid‐Lowering Effects of Curcumin in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized,Double‐Blind,Placebo‐Controlled Trial

Human studies of curcumin extract on lipid‐lowering effect have not been completely investigated and have had controversy results. This study tested the effect of daily curcumin extract for 12 weeks on weight, glucose, and lipid profiles in patients with metabolic syndrome. Sixty‐five patients were randomized into two groups; 33 patients taking curcumin extract capsule (630 mg thrice daily) and 32 patients taking a placebo capsule thrice daily for 12 weeks. At 12 weeks after the curcumin extract consumption, the level of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) significantly increased from 40.96 ± 8.59 to 43.76 ± 2.79 mg/dL (p < 0.05), and the level of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) was significantly reduced (120.55 ± 36.81 to 106.51 ± 25.02 mg/dL, p < 0.05). The triglyceride‐lowering effect, a reduction of 65 mg/dL, was also found in this study. In subgroups analysis, the consumption of curcumin may have a lowering cholesterol effect in male patients and an increasing HDL‐C effect in female patients, both of which result in a decrease of T‐Chol/HDL‐C ratio. The intake of the curcumin extract of 1890 mg/day for 12 weeks was associated with lipid‐lowering effect but did not improve weight and glucose homeostasis in the patients with metabolic syndrome. Daily curcumin consumption may be an alternative choice to modify cholesterol‐related parameters, especially in metabolic syndrome patients. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A randomized,multicentre, open‐label,parallel‐group trial to compare the efficacy and safety profile of daming capsule in patients with hypercholesterolemia

To study the efficacy and tolerability of Daming capsule (DMC) in Chinese patients with hyperlipidemia, a randomized, multi‐centre, open‐label, parallel‐group trial was conducted. Sixty enrolled patients with hyperlipidemia allocated to six medical centers were randomly divided into two groups of 30 individuals each. One group received DMC 2 g b.i.d. for 6 weeks, and the other received pravastatin 10 mg o.d. for 6 weeks. For efficacy assessment, serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) were measured before and after drug treatment. Serum TC and LDL‐C levels in the DMC‐treatment group were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment (p < 0.05), while TG and HDL‐C levels did not change much. Tolerability was assessed by heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and creatinine (Cr), which were not changed in either the DMC or pravastatin groups at 3 and 6 weeks (p > 0.05). Besides, eight patients experienced diarrhea during DMC treatment and two experienced myalgia and epigastric discomfort during pravastatin treatment. Based on the above results, it was concluded that DMC may be a good candidate for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and further clinical trials are warranted. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A pilot double‐blind randomized controlled trial

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and is potentially treatable, though there are few therapeutic agents available. Artichoke leaf extract (ALE) has shown potential as a hepatoprotective agent. This study sought to determine if ALE had therapeutic utility in patients with established NAFLD. In this randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled parallel‐group trial, 100 subjects with ultrasound‐diagnosed NAFLD were randomized to either ALE 600 mg daily or placebo for a 2‐month period. NAFLD response was assessed by liver ultrasound and serological markers including the aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio and AST to platelet ratio index (APRI) score. Ninety patients completed the study (49 ALE and 41 placebo) with no side effects reported. ALE treatment compared with placebo: Doppler sonography showed increased hepatic vein flow (p < .001), reduced portal vein diameter (p < .001) and liver size (p < .001), reduction in serum ALT (p < .001) and AST (p < .001) levels, improvement in AST/ALT ratio and APRI scores (p < .01), and reduction in total bilirubin. ALE supplementation reduced total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations (p = .01). This study has shown beneficial effects of ALE supplementation on both ultrasound liver parameters and liver serum parameters (ALT, AST, APRI ratio, and total bilirubin) in patients with NAFLD.     

Improved Lipid Profile in Hyperlipidemic Patients Taking Vaccinium arctostaphylos Fruit Hydroalcoholic Extract: A Randomized Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial

Dyslipidemia is a common contributory cause of cardiovascular disease. Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. (Caucasian whortleberry) fruit is rich of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins may exert cardioprotective effects by various mechanisms such as favorably modulating dyslipidemia. Therefore, in this randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial with hyperlipidemic (hypercholesterolemic and/or hypertriglyceridemic) patients aged 20–60 years, the effects of taking a standardized whortleberry fruit hydroalcoholic extract (one 350 mg capsule every 8 h for 2 months) on fasting blood levels of lipids, creatinine and liver enzymes including SGOT and SGPT were evaluated in 40 patients and compared with the placebo group (n = 40). The extract lowered the blood levels of total cholesterol (P < 0.001), triglyceride (P = 0.002) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) (P = 0.002), but increased the blood high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels (P < 0.001) without any significant effects on the blood levels of SGOT, SGPT and creatinine (P > 0.05) compared with the placebo group at the endpoint. Whortleberry reduced total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL‐C 27.6%, 19.2% and 26.3%, respectively, but increased HDL‐C 37.5% compared with baseline. No adverse effects were reported. Short‐term treatment with whortleberry fruit appears safe and improves lipid profile in hyperlipidemic patients. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ficus carica Leaf Extract Modulates the Lipid Profile of Rats Fed with a High‐Fat Diet through an Increase of HDL‐C

Ficus carica has been traditionally used for the treatment of several metabolic syndrome‐related health problems. It was the objective of this study to investigate the preventive effects of a Ficus carica (FC) leaf extract on hyperlipidemia in high fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese male rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats (180 – 200 g) were fed with a regular diet, HFD or a HFD + oral treatment of either 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg of FC or 30 mg/kg pioglitazone for six weeks. A range of parameters was evaluated including body weight development, plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), adiponectin, leptin, glucose, insulin, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), atherogenic index (AI) and the coronary risk index (CRI). FC significantly lowered TG and IL‐6 levels and elevated HDL cholesterol (p < 0.05). The effects of FC on lipid parameters were more pronounced than those of the positive control pioglitazone. FC significantly lowered AI and CRI (p < 0.01) while it had no effect on adiponectin and leptin levels. Our results demonstrate that preventive treatment with FC significantly improved the lipid profile and decreased adipogenic risk factors in HFD rats most likely mediated through an increase in HDL‐C levels. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

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).     

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.     

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 effect of concentrated pomegranate juice consumption on risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Pomegranate juice is a rich source of polyphenols that may improve blood pressure, lipid profile, and other risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). No study has examined the effects of pomegranate juice consumption on the clinical outcomes of PCOS. This study aimed to examine the effects of concentrated pomegranate juice (CPJ) consumption on risk factors of CVDs in women with PCOS. In this randomized clinical trial, 44 PCOS women with an age range of 18–40 years and body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 kg/m² were recruited. They were randomly allocated to the CPJ (n = 22) and control (n = 22) groups, and followed for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and biochemical parameters were measured at baseline and at the end of the trial. Compared with the control group, CPJ consumption significantly reduced systolic (?9.77 ± 1.46 vs. ?1.18 ± 1.46 mmHg, p < .001) and diastolic (?3.87 ± 1.36 vs. 0.30 ± 1.36 mmHg, p = .05) blood pressure, serum triglyceride (TG) levels (?7.82 ± 6.32 vs. 16.63 ± 6.32 mg/dl, p = .01), TG/high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) ratio (?0.39 ± 0.24 vs. 0.66 ± 0.24, p = .007), and increased serum concentrations of low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) (6.03 ± 2.47 vs. ?1.98 ± 2.47 mg/dl, p = .04) and HDL‐C (1.93 ± 1.10 vs. ?1.78 ± 1.10 mg/dl, p = .03). These findings were obtained after taking baseline measurements and potential confounders into account. No adverse event or complication was reported due to CPJ consumption throughout the study. We found that CPJ consumption has a beneficial effect on blood pressure, serum concentrations of TG and HDL‐C, and TG/HDL‐C ratio in women with PCOS. However, this juice could increase serum LDL‐C levels in these patients. This trial was registered at www.irct.ir as IRCT20191109045383N1.     

Supplementation with Cynanchum wilfordii radix extract for 8 weeks lowers serum total cholesterol: A controlled,randomized, double‐blind clinical trial

This trial aimed to determine the effect of a standardized Cynanchum wilfordii Radix extract (CWE) on the lipid profiles of individuals with elevated total cholesterol (T‐Chol) using a double‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled design. Ninety‐six Korean individuals with elevated T‐Chol level (200–240 mg/dL) were recruited and randomly allocated to groups that received VasH300 (300 mg CWE/day, n = 32), VasH600 (600 mg CWE/day, n = 32), or a placebo (n = 32) groups. Primary outcomes included T‐Chol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol, triglyceride, and safety (adverse events, biochemical parameters, and hematological parameters). Data were compared using a one‐way analysis of variance followed by Duncan's post‐hoc tests (among groups) and paired t tests (within groups). Values for T‐Chol and LDL‐cholesterol were significantly reduced in the VasH300 and groups (VasH300: 4.0 and 6.4%, respectively; VasH600; 3.8 and 5.8% respectively; both p < .05) compared with the placebo group and were not dose‐dependent. VasH300 significantly improved the lipid profiles of individuals with elevated T‐Chol without any serious side effects. Daily supplementation with VasH might be an alternative strategy with which to modify cholesterol‐related parameters, especially in individuals with elevated T‐Chol levels.     

Effect of turmeric on glycemic status,lipid profile,hs‐CRP,and total antioxidant capacity in hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder worldwide. This study examined the effect of turmeric supplementation on glycemic status, lipid profile, hs‐CRP and total antioxidant capacity in hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients. In this double‐blind, randomized clinical trial, 80 hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients were divided into turmeric (2,100 mg powdered rhizome of turmeric daily) and placebo groups for 8 weeks. Body weight, fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), serum insulin, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, low density lypoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c), high density lypoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), and total antioxidant capacity were measured before and after intervention. Statistical analysis was carried out using paired and independent t and chi‐square tests. Seventy five patients completed the study. The turmeric group showed significant decreases in body weight, TG, and LDL‐c compared with baseline (p value < 0.05). Body mass index, TG, and total cholesterol decreased significantly in the turmeric group compared with the placebo group (p value < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in other parameters between the two groups after intervention (p value < 0.05). Turmeric improved some fractions of lipid profile and decreased body weight in hyperlipidemic patients with type 2 diabetes. It had no significant effect on glycemic status, hs‐CRP, and total antioxidant capacity in these patients.     

Effect of tomato consumption on fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) phytochemicals, which include phytoene, phytofluene, beta‐carotene, flavonoids, lycopene, and polyphenols, have been shown to improve the effects of fasting on plasma triglyceride (TG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), total cholesterol (TC), and fasting blood sugar (FBS). The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the effects of Tomato TC, TG, HDL, LDL, and FBS in humans. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of sciences, and SCOPUS databases by two researchers for studies published until August of 2019 without language and time limitations. Results were combined with random effect models. Six studies were included in this meta‐analysis. Combined results reveal a significant reduction in cholesterol (weighted mean difference [WMD]: ?4.39 mg/dl, 95% CI: ?7.09, ?1.68, I² = % 48, p heterogeneity: .05), TG (WMD: ?3.94 mg/dl, 95% CI: ?7.67, ?0.21, I² = % 90, p heterogeneity: .001), LDL levels (WMD: ?2.09 mg/dl, 95% CI: ?3.73, ?0.81, I² = % 78, p heterogeneity: .001), and increasing in HDL levels (WMD: 2.25 mg/dl, 95% CI: 0.41, 4.10, I² = % 97, p heterogeneity: .001). Tomato was found to have a higher reduction effect on TG and LDL in younger participants. While pooled results indicate no significant effect on FBS levels (WMD: 0.59 mg/dl, 95% CI: ?0.28, 1.46, I² = % 95, p heterogeneity: .001). In conclusion, the results indicate a significant reduction in total cholesterol, TG, and LDL and increase in HDL levels that is caused by tomato consumption.     

Hypotriglyceridaemic activity of Ficus carica leaves in experimental hypertriglyceridaemic rats

A model of hypertriglyceridaemia in rats is described, which was used to investigate the hypolipidaemic effect of an intraperitoneal (i./p.) administration of a Ficus carica leaf decoction. Hypertriglyceridaemia was induced in rats following the protocol: a fasting period of 22 h, 2 h of oral (p.o.) administration of 20% emulsion of longchain triglycerides (LCT emulsion), both repeated once. The plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels obtained 2 h after the protocol were 5.7 ± 2.5 mmol/L (p < 0.0001 vs basal levels) and 1.7 ± 0.3 mmol/L, respectively, n = 10. The new model was used to test the hypotriglyceridaemic effect of a single dose of Ficus carica (fig tree) leaf decoction administered i./p. (50 g dry wt/kg body wt). After the i.p. injection of serum saline (control group, n = 10) or Ficus carica extract (group A, n = 10), plasma triglyceride levels in the control group and group A were 5.9 ± 2.9 mmol/L and 5.5 ± 2.9 mmol/L just after the LCT emulsion protocol; 4.7 ± 2.7 mmol/L and 0.9 ± 0.4 mmol/L, p < 0.005, 60 min after the LCT protocol; and 3.6 ± 2.9 mmol/L and 1.0 ± 0.4 mmol/L, p < 0.05, 90 min after the LCT protocol. The plasma total cholesterol levels, which were not modified in our experimental model, showed no significant differences in relation to baseline levels in the presence or absence of Ficus carica treatment either. The clearly positive results suggest the presence in the fig leaf decoction of a compound or compounds that influence lipid catabolism. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Curcuminoid Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Trial

Treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) is challenging owing to the inefficacy and long‐term adverse events of currently available medications including non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Curcuminoids are polyphenolic phytochemicals with established anti‐inflammatory properties and protective effects on chondrocytes. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical efficacy of curcuminoids in patients suffering from knee OA. A pilot randomized double‐blind placebo‐control parallel‐group clinical trial was conducted among patients with mild‐to‐moderate knee OA. Patients were assigned to curcuminoids (1500 mg/day in 3 divided doses; n = 19) or matched placebo (n = 21) for 6 weeks. Efficacy measures were changes in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analogue scale (VAS) and Lequesne's pain functional index (LPFI) scores during the study. There was no significant difference in age, gender, body mass index, and VAS, WOMAC and LPFI scores between the study groups at baseline (p > 0.05). Treatment with curcuminoids was associated with significantly greater reductions in WOMAC (p = 0.001), VAS (p < 0.001) and LPFI (p = 0.013) scores compared with placebo. With respect to WOMAC subscales, there were significant improvements in the pain and physical function scores (p < 0.001) but not stiffness score (p > 0.05). There was no considerable adverse effect in both groups. To conclude, curcuminoids represent an effective and safe alternative treatment for OA. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Complementary Usage of Rhodiola crenulata (L.) in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: The Effects on Cytokines and T Cells

Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease predominantly involving T cells, no study of Rhodiola as an immunomodulator in COPD patients has been reported. In this study, COPD patients took Rhodiola crenulata 500 mg (n = 38) or placebo (starch/phosphate buffered saline) (n = 19) daily for 12 weeks and were compared with untreated, age‐matched, and sex‐matched non‐COPD control subjects. Our results showed that serum levels of IL‐2, IL‐10, and IFN‐γ in COPD patients before treatment are significantly higher than levels in non‐COPD controls (p < 0.05). A significant decrease in IFN‐γ was seen in the Rhodiola treatment group (p < 0.05) but not in the placebo group (p > 0.05). The results suggested that Rhodiola treatment had beneficial antiinflammation effects, lower COPD assessment test score and decreased high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, on COPD patients (p < 0.05). The effects of Rhodiola treatment on COPD patients were shown to decrease the IFN‐γ concentration and CD8⁺ count but increase the expressions of CD4⁺CD25⁺FOXP3⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁺CD45⁺FOXP3⁺ in the blood significantly (p < 0.05). This is the first trial using Rhodiola as a complementary therapy for COPD patients. T cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD through the increased expression of CD8⁺ T cells and IFN‐γ and may be a viable target for potential therapy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antilipogenic effect of green tea extract in C57BL/6J‐Lepob/ob mice

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of green tea extract (GTE) on lipid metabolism in obese animal models. Male C57BL/6J‐Lepob/ob mice were divided into control and GTE (0.05 g/100 g diet) groups, which were fed a high‐fat (20 g/100 g diet) diet for 12 weeks. Supplementation of GTE significantly reduced (p < 0.01) perirenal and total white adipose tissue weights compared with the control group. Also, the plasma HDL‐cholesterol level was significantly higher in the GTE group than in the control group, therefore the GTE group showed a higher HDL‐cholesterol/total‐cholesterol ratio (HTR) and lower atherogenic index (AI) level than the control group. A reduction of hepatic triglyceride content and adipose tissue weight in the GTE group was related to the suppression of enzyme activities for fatty acid synthesis (glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme) without affecting fatty acid oxidation enzyme (β‐oxidation and carnitine palmitoyl transferase) activities in hepatic and adipose tissue. The current results showed that supplementation of green tea extract is beneficial for antiobesity by the suppression of lipogenesis via regulation of related enzyme activities in hepatic and adipose tissue. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Adjuvant Therapy with Bioavailability‐Boosted Curcuminoids Suppresses Systemic Inflammation and Improves Quality of Life in Patients with Solid Tumors: A Randomized Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Trial

Curcuminoids are bioactive polyphenolics with potent antiinflammatory properties. Although several lines of in vitro and preclinical evidence suggest potent anticancer effects of curcuminoids, clinical findings have not been conclusive. The present randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of curcuminoids as adjuvant therapy in cancer patients. Eighty subjects with solid tumors who were under standard chemotherapy regimens were randomly assigned to a bioavailability‐boosted curcuminoids preparation (180 mg/day; n = 40) or matched placebo (n = 40) for a period of 8 weeks. Efficacy measures were changes in the health‐related quality of life (QoL) score (evaluated using the University of Washington index) and serum levels of a panel of mediators implicated in systemic inflammation including interleukins 6 (IL‐6) and 8 (IL‐8), TNF‐α, transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), substance P and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1). Curcuminoid supplementation was associated with a significantly greater improvement in QoL compared with placebo (p < 0.001). Consistently, the magnitude of reductions in TNF‐α (p < 0.001), TGFβ (p < 0.001), IL‐6 (p = 0.061), substance P (p = 0.005), hs‐CRP (p < 0.001), CGRP (p < 0.001) and MCP‐1 (p < 0.001) were all significantly greater in the curcuminoids versus placebo group. In contrast, the extent of reduction in serum IL‐8 was significantly greater with placebo versus curcuminoids (p = 0.012). Quality of life variations were associated with changes in serum TGFβ levels in both correlation and regression analyses. Adjuvant therapy with a bioavailable curcuminoid preparation can significantly improve QoL and suppress systemic inflammation in patients with solid tumors who are under treatment with standard chemotherapy protocols. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

脂必泰胶囊治疗血脂异常痰瘀互结证临床观察

目的:观察脂必泰胶囊治疗血脂异常痰瘀互结证的临床疗效,评价其有效性和安全性。方法:选择西安电子科技大学医院内科门诊2018年7月至2019年7月82例血脂异常痰瘀互结证患者,按照随机数字表法分为对照组和观察组,每组41例,对照组给予阿托伐他汀钙治疗,观察组给予脂必泰胶囊治疗。两组治疗前和治疗8周后分别检测血脂指标、肝功能、肾功能变化情况;比较两组治疗前后中医证候疗效、临床症状评分;记录患者是否存在肝区疼痛、肌肉疼痛等不良反应。结果:治疗8周后血脂变化比较,两组患者血清总胆固醇(total cholesterol,TC)、甘油三脂(triglyceride,TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol,LDL-C)均较本组治疗前下降,高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,HDL-C)较本组治疗前升高(P0. 05)。对照组的总有效率90. 24%(37/41),观察组的总有效率92. 68%(38/41),两组比较差异无统计学意义。治疗后两组中医证候积分,两组患者的眩晕、胸闷、头重如裹、胸膈痞满4种常见中医证候积分均较本组治疗前降低(P0. 05);两组中医证候疗效比较,对照组总有效率87. 80%(36/41),观察组总有效率92. 68%(38/41),两组比较差异无统计学意义;对照组3例出现氨基转移酶不同程度升高,但均未升高正常高限的2倍,观察组1例出现轻度腹胀、恶心,但不影响继续服药。两组患者均未出现肌肉疼痛、肝区疼痛等现象。结论:脂必泰胶囊治疗血脂异常临床疗效可靠,与阿托伐他汀钙在治疗血脂异常方面临床疗效相当,且安全可靠。     

Effects of yeast hydrolysate on neuropeptide Y (NPY) and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) immunoreactivity in rats

To investigate the appetite regulation mechanism of low and high molecular weight yeast hydrolysate, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) expressions were analyzed in the brains on rats using immunohistochemical method; normal diet (control), 0.1 g/kg (BY‐1) or 1.0 g/kg (BY‐2) of yeast hydrolysate below 10 kDa, 0.1 g/kg (AY‐1) or 1.0 g/kg (AY‐2) of yeast hydrolysate of 10–30 kDa. Body weight gain was lower in the BY‐2 (133.0 g) than in the control (150.1 g) (p < 0.05). Triacylglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL‐cholesterol levels were lower in the BY‐2 as compared to control, BY‐1 and AY‐2 (p < 0.05). NPY staining intensities at paraventricular nucleus (PVN) were lower in the BY groups (BY‐1: 96.1, BY‐2: 88.6) as compared to the control (105.6) and AY groups (AY‐1: 110.5, AY‐2: 114.1) (p < 0.05). NPY expression at lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) was lower in the BY‐2 (92.3) than in the control (98.9) (p < 0.05). The BY groups (BY‐1: 143.9, BY‐2: 154.6) had higher TPH staining intensities at dorsal raphe (DR) than the AY‐2 (115.9) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results indicate that administering yeast hydrolysate of below 10 kDa to normal diet‐fed rats reduced body weight gain and serum lipids by altering NPY and TPH expressions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.