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A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial on the Effect of a Dietary Supplement Containing Dry Artichoke and Bergamot Extracts on Metabolic and Vascular Risk Factors in Individuals with Suboptimal Cholesterol Levels

Summary

Researchers tested a daily pill combining dried extracts from artichoke and bergamot plants to see if it could improve cholesterol levels and heart health in people with elevated cholesterol. After 12 weeks, people taking the supplement showed significant improvements in cholesterol levels, triglycerides, inflammation markers, and blood vessel function compared to those taking a placebo. The supplement was safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects, suggesting it could be a useful natural approach for managing cholesterol and related cardiovascular risk factors.

Background

Abnormal lipid levels and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are significant cardiometabolic risk factors affecting large populations globally. There is growing interest in identifying safe natural compounds that can improve lipid profiles and related risk factors. Polyphenols from artichoke and bergamot extracts have been proposed as safe nutraceuticals for lowering lipid levels.

Objective

To assess whether dietary supplementation with a nutraceutical blend comprising standardized extracts of bergamot and artichoke could positively affect serum lipid concentration, insulin sensitivity, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and indexes of NAFLD in 90 healthy individuals with suboptimal cholesterol levels.

Results

After 6 weeks, the active-treated group showed significant improvements in triglycerides, apolipoprotein B-100, and apolipoprotein AI versus baseline, with additional reductions in total cholesterol, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and hs-CRP compared to placebo. At 12 weeks, improvements were sustained and included fasting glucose, liver enzymes, NAFLD indexes, and brachial pulse volume. Treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in only 2% of patients and were mild and transient.

Conclusion

Dietary supplementation with polyphenolic fractions of dry artichoke and bergamot extracts safely exerts significant improvements in serum lipids, systemic inflammation, NAFLD indexes, and endothelial reactivity in individuals with suboptimal cholesterolemia. These findings support the use of this combined dietary supplement as a safe and effective approach for prevention and management of cardiometabolic disorders.
  • Published in:Nutrients,
  • Study Type:Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial,
  • Source: PMID: 38892519
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