Effects of black raspberry on lipid profiles and vascular endothelial function in patients with metabolic syndrome.
Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) has been known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. However, short-term effects of black raspberry on lipid profiles and vascular endothelial function have not been investigated in patients with metabolic syndrome. Patients with metabolic syndrome (n = 77) were prospectively randomized into a group with black raspberry (n = 39, 750 mg/day) and a placebo group (n = 38) during a 12-week follow-up. Lipid profiles, brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (baFMD), and inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, C-reactive protein, adiponectin, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 were measured at the baseline and at the 12-week follow-up. Decreases from the baseline in the total cholesterol level (-22.8 ± 30.4 mg/dL vs. -1.9 ± 31.8 mg/dL, p < 0.05, respectively) and total cholesterol/HDL ratio (-0.31 ± 0.64 vs. 0.07 ± 0.58, p < 0.05, respectively) were significantly greater in the group with black raspberry than in the placebo group. Increases in baFMD at the 12-week follow-up were significantly greater in the group with black raspberry than in the placebo group (0.33 ± 0.44 mm vs. 0.10 ± 0.35 mm, p < 0.05, respectively). Decreases from the baseline in IL-6 (-0.4 ± 1.5 pg/mL vs. -0.1 ± 1.0 pg/mL, p < 0.05, respectively) and TNF-α (-2.9 ± 4.7 pg/mL vs. 0.1 ± 3.6 pg/mL, p < 0.05, respectively) were significantly greater in the group with black raspberry. The use of black raspberry significantly decreased serum total cholesterol level and inflammatory cytokines, thereby improving vascular endothelial function in patients with metabolic syndrome during the 12-week follow-up.
Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Han Saem
HS
Jeong
Soon Jun
SJ
Hong
Tae-Bum
TB
Lee
Ji-Wung
JW
Kwon
Jong Tae
JT
Jeong
Hyung Joon
HJ
Joo
Jae Hyoung
JH
Park
Chul-Min
CM
Ahn
Cheol Woong
CW
Yu
Do-Sun
DS
Lim
D055109:Ankle Brachial Index; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000187:drug effects; D059168:Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood; D004106:Dilatation; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D065856:Rubus / Q000737:chemistry*
D016207:Cytokines; D008055:Lipids
black raspberry; endothelial function; inflammation; lipid; metabolic syndrome