title: A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Bioactive Compounds in Cardiovascular Disease: Carbohydrates, Active Lipids and Nitrogen Compounds.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is rising and it is the prime cause of death in all developed countries. Bioactive compounds (BACs) can play a role in CVD prevention and treatment. To examine the scientific evidence supporting BACs groups' efficacy in CVD prevention and treatment, we conducted a systematized review.
  
  
  METHODS
  All available information on Medline, LILACS and EMBASE; all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with prospective, parallel or crossover designs in humans in which the BACs effect was compared with that of placebo/control. Vascular homeostasis, blood pressure, endothelial function, oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers were considered primary outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We selected 26 articles, verifying their quality based on the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, establishing diverse quality levels of scientific evidence according to the design and bias risk of a study. Grades of recommendation were included, depending on the evidence strength of antecedents.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Evidence shows that certain BACs' derivative from active lipids and nitrogen compounds, mainly from horse chestnut seed extract, sterol plants, allium derivatives, and certain doses of beta-glucans, can be helpful in decreasing the prevalence of CVD risk factors. However, further rigorous evidence is necessary to support and prove BACs' effect on CVD prevention and treatment.
authors.forename: Belen
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pastor-Villaescusa
authors.forename: Oscar D
authors.initials: OD
authors.lastname: Rangel-Huerta
authors.forename: Concepcion M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Aguilera
authors.forename: Angel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gil
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004032:Diet; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D016239:MEDLINE; D017672:Nitrogen Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage; D064209:Phytochemicals / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010840:Phytosterols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013457:Sulfur Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage; D047071:beta-Glucans / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D005419:Flavonoids; D017672:Nitrogen Compounds; D064209:Phytochemicals; D010840:Phytosterols; D011134:Polysaccharides; D013457:Sulfur Compounds; D047071:beta-Glucans