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Russo V, Napolitano N, Ascrizzi A, Leonardi S, Pisacane F, Di Micco P, Imbalzano E, Sasso FC, D’Andrea A, Caturano A, Mauriello A. The Lipid-Lowering Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Combination Including Leucoselect Phytosome, Red Yeast Rice, Policosanol and Folic Acid in Dyslipidaemia Patients: Real-World Insights. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:447. [PMID: 38675408 PMCID: PMC11053596 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease is a global health concern and reducing plasma LDL-C levels is a major goal in cardiovascular prevention. Our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a nutraceutical formulation including leucoselect® phytosome®, red yeast rice, policosanol and folic acid on LDL-c levels in patients at low cardiovascular risk with dyslipidemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS We prospectively enrolled all consecutive patients with dyslipidemia at low cardiovascular risk who were unresponsive to diet and physical activity. Clinical assessments and laboratory analyses, encompassing lipid profile, hepatic function, and CPK levels, were performed at baseline prior to initiating treatment and repeated at the 12-week mark following administration of the study nutraceutical. RESULTS Sixty (60) consecutive patients (mean age 48.02 ± 10.1 years; 60% male) were included. At the 12-week follow-up, a statistically significant reduction in Total Cholesterol (13.1%) and LDL-c serum level (20.4%) was observed. Hepatic and muscular function remain stable over the time. The adherence to therapy was 99% and the persistence was maximum. CONCLUSIONS The nutraceutical formulation including leucoselect® phytosome® red yeast rice, policosanol and folic acid significantly reduced the LDL-c plasma levels, consistent with previous research showing that the bioactive component in red yeast rice-lovastatin-is effective in addressing problems with lipid metabolism. Importantly, it was safe and well-tolerated among patients with dyslipidemia in a real-world setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Russo
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medical Translational Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (N.N.); (A.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Nicola Napolitano
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medical Translational Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (N.N.); (A.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Antonia Ascrizzi
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medical Translational Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (N.N.); (A.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Silvia Leonardi
- Clinical Biochemistry Unit, Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Pierpaolo Di Micco
- Department of Medicine, Presidio Ospedaliero Santa Maria delle Grazie, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy;
| | - Egidio Imbalzano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Carlo Sasso
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy (A.C.)
| | - Antonello D’Andrea
- Department of Cardiology, Umberto I Hospital, 84014 Nocera Inferiore, Italy
| | - Alfredo Caturano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy (A.C.)
| | - Alfredo Mauriello
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medical Translational Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (N.N.); (A.A.); (A.M.)
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy (A.C.)
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Ratanakomol T, Roytrakul S, Wikan N, Smith DR. Berberine Inhibits Dengue Virus through Dual Mechanisms. Molecules 2021; 26:5501. [PMID: 34576974 PMCID: PMC8470584 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26185501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito transmitted viruses, particularly those of the genus Flavivirus, are a significant healthcare burden worldwide, especially in tropical and sub-tropical areas. However, effective medicines for these viral infections remains lacking. Berberine (BBR) is an alkaloid found in some plants used in traditional medicines in Southeast Asia and elsewhere, and BBR has been shown to possess anti-viral activities. During a screen for potential application to mosquito transmitted viruses, BBR was shown to have virucidal activity against dengue virus (DENV; IC50 42.87 µM) as well as against Zika virus (IC50 11.42 µM) and chikungunya virus (IC50 14.21 µM). BBR was shown to have cellular effects that lead to an increase in cellular DENV E protein without a concomitant effect on DENV nonstructural proteins, suggesting an effect on viral particle formation or egress. While BBR was shown to have an effect of ERK1/2 activation this did not result in defects in viral egress mechanisms. The primary effect of BBR on viral production was likely to be through BBR acting through AMPK activation and disruption of lipid metabolism. Combined these results suggest that BBR has a dual effect on DENV infection, and BBR may have the potential for development as an anti-DENV antiviral.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Rangsit 12120, Thailand;
| | - Nitwara Wikan
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand;
| | - Duncan R. Smith
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand;
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Mahdavi A, Bagherniya M, Fakheran O, Reiner Ž, Xu S, Sahebkar A. Medicinal plants and bioactive natural compounds as inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase: A literature review. Biofactors 2020; 46:906-926. [PMID: 33053603 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the most important causes for mortality worldwide. Elevated levels of total cholesterol, and particularly LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) are the main risk factor for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and ischemic heart disease. The risk of CVDs could be reduced by decreasing the elevated cholesterol levels. β-hydroxy β-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCoAR) is the primary and rate-limiting enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. Recently, the crucial role of nutraceuticals in maintaining normal physiological function was established. Nutraceuticals play an important role in preventing several non-communicable diseases such as obesity, CVDs, cancer, diabetes, and reducing hyperlipidemia. Although the effect of nutraceuticals and herbal medicine on CVDs and dyslipidemia was previously investigated thoroughly, the effect of these natural products on HMGCoAR as one of the important enzymes involved in CVDs etiopathogenesis has not yet been investigated. Therefore, the major aim of this paper was to review the effects of nutraceuticals and medicinal plants on HMGCoAR. Results indicate that different types of natural foods, isolated nutrients, herbal products, and dietary supplements as nutraceuticals decrease the expression and activity of HMGCoAR. This review shows that medicinal plants and nutraceuticals could be used to decrease HMGCoAR activity as accessible and convenient and economical natural compounds to prevent dyslipidemia and CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atena Mahdavi
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bagherniya
- Food Security Research Center, Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Anesthesia and Critical Care Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Omid Fakheran
- Dental research center, Department of Periodontics, Dental research institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Željko Reiner
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Suowen Xu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA, Tehran, Iran
- Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), Lodz, Poland
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Haselgrübler R, Lanzerstorfer P, Röhrl C, Stübl F, Schurr J, Schwarzinger B, Schwarzinger C, Brameshuber M, Wieser S, Winkler SM, Weghuber J. Hypolipidemic effects of herbal extracts by reduction of adipocyte differentiation, intracellular neutral lipid content, lipolysis, fatty acid exchange and lipid droplet motility. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10492. [PMID: 31324860 PMCID: PMC6642187 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47060-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An increase in adipose tissue is caused by the increased size and number of adipocytes. Lipids accumulate in intracellular stores, known as lipid droplets (LDs). Recent studies suggest that parameters such as LD size, shape and dynamics are closely related to the development of obesity. Berberine (BBR), a natural plant alkaloid, has been demonstrated to possess anti-obesity effects. However, it remains unknown which cellular processes are affected by this compound or how effective herbal extracts containing BBR and other alkaloids actually are. For this study, we used extracts of Coptis chinensis, Mahonia aquifolium, Berberis vulgaris and Chelidonium majus containing BBR and other alkaloids and studied various processes related to adipocyte functionality. The presence of extracts resulted in reduced adipocyte differentiation, as well as neutral lipid content and rate of lipolysis. We observed that the intracellular fatty acid exchange was reduced in different LD size fractions upon treatment with BBR and Coptis chinensis. In addition, LD motility was decreased upon incubation with BBR, Coptis chinensis and Chelidonium majus extracts. Furthermore, Chelidonium majus was identified as a potent fatty acid uptake inhibitor. This is the first study that demonstrates the selected regulatory effects of herbal extracts on adipocyte function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Clemens Röhrl
- University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Wels, Austria.,Institute of Medical Chemistry, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Flora Stübl
- University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Wels, Austria
| | - Jonas Schurr
- University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Hagenberg, Austria
| | - Bettina Schwarzinger
- Austrian Competence Center for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, Wels, Austria
| | - Clemens Schwarzinger
- Johannes Kepler University, Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials, Linz, Austria
| | | | - Stefan Wieser
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08860 Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Julian Weghuber
- University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Wels, Austria. .,Austrian Competence Center for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, Wels, Austria.
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A practical guide for designing effective nutraceutical combinations in the form of foods, beverages, and dietary supplements against chronic degenerative diseases. Trends Food Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2019.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Santini A, Novellino E. Nutraceuticals in hypercholesterolaemia: an overview. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:1450-1463. [PMID: 27685833 PMCID: PMC5429323 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing attention is now being given to the possible preventive/alternative ways to avoid illness onset. Changes in lifestyle and food habits are taking over from the conventional pharmaceutical-based approach, especially for chronic pathologies. Nutraceuticals have been proposed as key tools for the prevention and cure of some pathological conditions. This is leading research to develop new formulations based on these pharma-foods addressed in a specific way to prevent and cure health issues, which, in turn, will have an effect on therapy-related costs sustained by any National Health Organization. According to existing regulations, nutraceuticals cannot be categorized as either food or drugs but, by definition, often inhabit a grey area in between the two, being assimilated into food supplements, notwithstanding the beneficial properties that they can provide for some pathological conditions. A nutraceuticals-based approach for health management, in particular for some pathological conditions, has resulted in a worldwide growing 'nutraceutical' revolution. An outstanding example is the approach to the 'metabolic syndrome', which includes overweight, obesity and cardiovascular-related diseases, causing a sort of cascade of chronic health conditions, which is becoming a norm in modern life. Hypercholesterolaemia is one of these. It represents an example of a pathology that can be linked to both a poor lifestyle and dietary habits. The nutraceutical approach to hypercholesterolaemia is described in the present review as a possible alternative to the conventional drug-based therapy. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Principles of Pharmacological Research of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.11/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of Napoli Federico IINaplesItaly
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Nutraceuticals: A paradigm of proactive medicine. Eur J Pharm Sci 2016; 96:53-61. [PMID: 27613382 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Nutraceuticals define a new category which shades the frontier between drugs and food. As per its definition, a nutraceutical is "a food or part of a food that provides benefits health in addition to its nutritional content". Active substances either way extracted from plants (phytocomplexes) or of animal origin, when extracted, concentrated and administered in a suitable pharmaceutical form, can create a very promising toolbox useful to prevent and/or support the therapy of some pathologic conditions given their proven clinical efficacy. It is worldwide recognized that diet and lifestyle are essential to promote and maintain well-being and nice-being condition, other than help to prevent diseases possible onset. Both non-correct dietary habits and lifestyle can in fact determine pathological conditions. The metabolic syndrome, a worldwide epidemic threat, can be named an outstanding example. This syndrome is characterized by a cascade of cardio metabolic risk factors which include obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Prevention is the key strategy for an effective proactive medicine, in which efforts are addressed to prevention and, consequently, to lower the risk connected to some lifestyle related diseases reducing, at the same time, any National Health Systems cost needed to guarantee the proper therapeutic approach based on pharmaceuticals. Nutraceuticals use in prevention is a proactive reverse approach tool to pre-clinical health conditions. They can be effectively used, by including in the daily diet, in an area which shades in the range "beyond the diet, before drugs", since they combine both nutritional and beneficial healthy properties of food extracts with the healing properties of natural active compounds.
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