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Abstract

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is complex of metabolic disorders that correlates with cardiovascular disease. This study aimed at investigating the effect of processed Berberis vulgaris (B.vulgaris) on some metabolic syndrome components. Materials and Methods: Participants, type2 diabetics, were recruited in a randomized controlled clinical trial (n = 57) and randomly assigned into three groups: 1) processed B.vulgaris (n =19), 2) apple vinegar group (n =19) and 3) control group (n =19). Height, weight, serum total cholesterol, HDL-, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at baseline and at the end of the 8th week and BMI, total/HDL-cholesterol ratio and insulin resistance were estimated. Results: Processed B.vulgaris group showed no significant effects on BMI, total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose concentrations, whereas LDL-cholesterol concentration (22.48±35.44mg/dl) and total/HDL-cholesterol ratio (2.56±4.87) significantly decreased and HDL-cholesterol concentration (12.33±20.58mg/dl) increased (P<0.05). No significant effect on lipid profiles was found in the apple vinegar group. Increased insulin concentration and insulin resistance was observed in all of these groups (P<0.001), independent of processed B.vulgaris and apple vinegar effects. Conclusion: Findings of the present study showed the beneficial effects of processed B.vulgaris on certain atherosclerosis risk factors.

 

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Abstract Introduction: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of apple consumption on lipid profiles among hyperlipidemic and overweight men. Materials and Methods: We performed an experimental study on 46 hyperlipidemic men, aged between 30-50 years(TC=200-240 mg/dl, TG=150-350 mg/dl), randomly divided into two (apple and control) groups. The apple group (23 subjects) received 300 gr of whole apples per day (Golden Delicious) for 8 weeks, while controls (23 subjects) had the regular dietary pattern for the same period of time. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after intervention and analyzed for serum TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, VLDL, Apo(B), Lp(a) and LDL/HDL levels. Before study, education level and family size were compared. Before and after intervention, physical activity and dietary intake were compared between the two groups. Both total polyphenol and the total fiber consumed in apples were measured. Results: Total polyphenol and total fiber intakes were 485 mg/kg fresh apple and 4.03 gr/100 gr of fresh apple, respectively. After 8 weeks, mean differences in TG and VLDL concentrations increased statistically in the apple group compared to the control group, but, no significant differences were observed in the TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, Apo(B), Lp(a) and LDL/HDL levels, between two groups. Conclusion: Consumption of Golden Delicious apples seemed to increase serum TG and VLDL concentrations in hyperlipidemic men. More studies are needed to investigate the effect of Golden delicious apple on serum TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, Apo(B), Lp(a) and LDL/HDL concentrations.