Effects of a supplement containing isoflavones and Actaea racemosa L. on asymmetric dimethylarginine, lipids, and C-reactive protein in menopausal women.
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.
Verhoeven
Marieke O
MO
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Project Aging Women, Institute for Cardiovascular Research-Vrije Universiteit, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Teerlink
Tom
T
Kenemans
Peter
P
Zuijdgeest-van Leeuwen
Sonja D
SD
van der Mooren
Marius J
MJ
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
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D007529:Isoflavones; D008055:Lipids; C018524:N,N-dimethylarginine; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D001120:Arginine