title: Combined nutraceutical approach to postmenopausal syndrome and vascular remodeling biomarkers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Menopause is associated with broad, though generally not massive changes in a large number of metabolic parameters. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a combined nutraceutical approach on a large number of cardiometabolic risk markers and menopause symptoms in otherwise healthy, mildly dyslipidemic postmenopausal women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty women were enrolled in the context of a controlled, randomized, prospective study with parallel groups at the Lipid Clinic of the University of Bologna.
  
  
  METHODS
  The women were randomized to treatment with a nutraceuticals containing soy isoflavones (60 mg) and berberine (500 mg) or a placebo at a dosage of one tablet daily between meals for 12 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients completed the study without significant side effects. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, HOMA index, and basal homocysteinemia significantly improved in isoflavones-berberine-treated group when compared to the baseline, but not when compared to the placebo-treated patients. Compared to placebo-treated patients, those treated with isoflavones-berberine experienced a significant improvement in plasma lipid and metalloproteinase serum levels, as well as the main menopausal symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The short-term consumption of a nutraceutical containing isoflavones and berberine was well-tolerated and improved menopausal symptoms, plasma lipid level, and serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases in a cohort of mildly dyslipidemic postmenopausal women when compared with a neutral control.
authors: Internal Medicine, Aging and Kidney Disease Department, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. afgcicero@cardionet.it
authors: Arrigo F G
authors: AF
authors: Cicero
authors: Elisa
authors: E
authors: Tartagni
authors: Alienor
authors: A
authors: Ferroni
authors: Valeria
authors: V
authors: De Sando
authors: Elisa
authors: E
authors: Grandi
authors: Claudio
authors: C
authors: Borghi
mesh_terms: D001599:Berberine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015415:Biomarkers; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007529:Isoflavones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D007529:Isoflavones; D008055:Lipids; D001599:Berberine; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases