title: Effects of a supplement containing isoflavones and Actaea racemosa L. on asymmetric dimethylarginine, lipids, and C-reactive protein in menopausal women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effects of a supplement containing soy isoflavones and Actaea racemosa L. on several coronary heart disease (CHD) risk markers in menopausal women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine hospitals in The Netherlands.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred twenty-four menopausal women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Daily placebo (n = 64) or supplement containing soy isoflavones and Actaea racemosa L. (n = 60) for 12 weeks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fasting blood concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), lipids, and C-reactive protein (CRP) at baseline and week 12.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the supplement group, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol showed a small absolute reduction at week 12 (-0.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.3 to -0.0; and -0.2, 95% CI -0.3 to -0.0; respectively). Concentrations of ADMA, triglycerides, lipoprotein(a), and CRP did not change significantly. Analysis of covariance over the 12-week study period revealed no significant between-group differences for all parameters. No significant correlations were found between the concentrations of isoflavones and the CHD risk markers investigated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Twelve-week administration of a supplement containing soy isoflavones and Actaea racemosa L. had little or no influence on the CHD risk markers studied. This supplement probably has neither protective nor adverse effects on the cardiovascular system; however, large long-term studies are needed to test this.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Project Aging Women, Institute for Cardiovascular Research-Vrije Universiteit, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors: Marieke O
authors: MO
authors: Verhoeven
authors: Tom
authors: T
authors: Teerlink
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Kenemans
authors: Sonja D
authors: SD
authors: Zuijdgeest-van Leeuwen
authors: Marius J
authors: MJ
authors: van der Mooren
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001120:Arginine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D031885:Cimicifuga; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007529:Isoflavones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008593:Menopause / Q000097:blood*; D018401:Sample Size
chemical_list: D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D007529:Isoflavones; D008055:Lipids; C018524:N,N-dimethylarginine; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D001120:Arginine