The Effects of a New Generation of Nutraceutical Compounds on Lipid Profile and Glycaemia in Subjects with Pre-hypertension

Abstract

Treatment strategies for patients with pre-hypertension and low–moderate cardiovascular (CV) risk may include nutraceutical compounds (NCs). To investigate the efficacy and safety of a new-generation of NC in lowering BP values and improving metabolic profile, in a group of hyper-cholesterolemic subjects with pre-hypertension. 131 subjects with pre-hypertension (systolic BP 130–139 mmHg and/or diastolic BP 85–89 mmHg) without organ damage and history of CV diseases were enrolled. 66 subjects were treated with a once-daily oral formulation of a NC (red yeast rice, Berberine, Coenzyme Q10, folic acid and chrome) added to diet for 3 months, while 65 patients followed a diet only. Differences in serum total cholesterol (TC), low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC and HDLC), triglycerides (TG), glycemia, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated. At the end of treatment, significant reductions of TC, LDLC, TG glucose levels were observed in both treatment groups, while HDLC values increased in the active treatment group only. A greater reduction of TC, LDLC and glycemia was observed in the treatment group. TG levels were not different within the two groups. BP and BMI levels remained unchanged, as well AST, ALT; CPK slightly increased in both groups, but it remained in the normal range. In patients with pre-hypertension, NC supplementation was safe, well tolerated and effective in improving lipid pattern and glucose levels and in preventing the progression to overt hypertension.