Effect of citrus flavonoids and tocotrienols on serum cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic subjects.
BACKGROUND
Preliminary studies have suggested that both citrus flavonoids and palm tocotrienols reduce cholesterol levels in laboratory animals.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of these nutrients in combination on blood levels of cholesterol and related cardiovascular disease risk factors.


METHODS
Two open-label studies and 1 double-blind study are reported.


METHODS
Outpatient clinical research setting.


METHODS
Three groups (n=10, n=10, n=120) of hypercholesterolemic men and women (cholesterol levels >230 mg/dL) between the ages of 19 and 65 years were recruited.


METHODS
Subjects were randomized to consume either 270 mg citrus flavonoids plus 30 mg tocotrienols (S) or placebo (P) daily for a period of 4 weeks (group 1 [G1] and group 2 [G2]) or 12 weeks (group 3 [G3]).


METHODS
Measurements of fasting levels of blood cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides were made at baseline and 4 weeks (all groups) and at 8 weeks and 12 weeks (G3).


RESULTS
Daily treatment with S significantly improved cardiovascular parameters compared to P in all groups. Significant reductions were shown in total cholesterol (20%-30%), LDL (19%-27%), apolipoprotein B (21%), and triglycerides (24%-34%). HDL levels remained unchanged in G1 and G2 but increased 4% (nonsignificant) in G3 and was accompanied by a significant increase in apolipoprotein A1 (5%).
Roza
James M
JM
SourceOne Global Partners, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Xian-Liu
Zheng
Z
Guthrie
Najla
N
D000328:Adult; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D002957:Citrus; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D024508:Tocotrienols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D005419:Flavonoids; D024508:Tocotrienols; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol