Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
Statins are the most widely prescribed medication to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c). However, a significant portion of patients are unable to tolerate them due to side effects, most commonly muscle related. Nutraceuticals, natural plant derivatives with lipid-lowering properties, may provide an alternative to lower LDL-c in these patients.Aims
To investigate whether a nutraceutical regimen, either alone or in combination with ezetimibe, can lower LDL-c in patients with hypercholesterolemia who are intolerant to statins.Methods
Participants were recruited into a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled intervention study. Treatments were (i) placebo, (ii) nutraceutical (500 mg berberine, 200 mg red yeast rice (RYR), 2 g plant sterols)/daily, (iii) ezetimibe (10 mg)/daily, or (iv) the combination of nutraceutical and ezetimibe/daily. At baseline and week 8, all participants provide a fasting blood sample for assessment of lipid profile and safety bloods.Results
Fifty participants were randomized, with 44 completing the treatment period. Following adjustment for baseline levels and compared with placebo, LDL-c was significantly reduced (all p < 0.0001) with ezetimibe (-1.02 mmol/L), nutraceutical (-1.15 mmol/L) and the nutraceutical and ezetimibe combination (-1.92 mmol/L). Non-HDL cholesterol was significantly reduced (all p < 0.0001) with ezetimibe (-1.29 mmol/L), nutraceutical (-1.37 mmol/L) and the nutraceutical and ezetimibe combination (-2.18 mmol/L). Remnant cholesterol and triglycerides was significantly reduced with the nutraceutical and ezetimibe combination (p = 0.018).Conclusion
A nutraceutical regimen (berberine, RYR and plant sterols) and ezetimibe independently and additively lower LDL-c in patients with hypercholesterolemia who are intolerant to statins.
SUBMITTER: Ward NC
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9732015 | biostudies-literature | 2022
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Ward Natalie C NC Reid Christopher M CM Watts Gerald F GF
Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine 20221125
<h4>Background</h4>Statins are the most widely prescribed medication to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c). However, a significant portion of patients are unable to tolerate them due to side effects, most commonly muscle related. Nutraceuticals, natural plant derivatives with lipid-lowering properties, may provide an alternative to lower LDL-c in these patients.<h4>Aims</h4>To investigate whether a nutraceutical regimen, either alone or in combination with ezetimibe, can lower LDL ...[more]