| dc.description | Insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia are strongly associated with metabolic
syndrome (MeSy), which is considered to be a reversible clinical stage before its evolution to coronary
heart disease and diabetes. Currently, the antihypertensive and hypolipidemic properties of aqueous
Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts (HSE) have been demonstrated in clinical trials and in vivo experiments. The
aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a Hibiscus sabdariffa extract powder (HSEP) and a
recognized preventive treatment (diet) on the lipid profiles of individuals with and without MeSy
according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III)
criteria. The protocol was a follow-up study carried out in a factorial, randomized design
(T1=preventive treatment comprises Diet, T2=HSEP, T3=HSEP+preventive treatment (Diet) X MeSy,
non-MeSy individuals). A total daily dose of 100 mg HSEP was orally administered in capsules for one
month. The preventive treatment (diet) was selected according to NCEP-ATP III recommendations and
adjusted individually. Total cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c, VLDL-c, triglycerides, glucose, urea, creatinine,
AST, and ALT levels in the blood were determined in all individuals pre- and post-treatment. The MeSy
patients treated with HSEP had significantly reduced glucose and total cholesterol levels, increased
HDL-c levels, and an improved TAG/HDL-c ratio, a marker of insulin resistance (t-test po0.05).
Additionally, a triglyceride-lowering effect was observed in MeSy patients treated with HSEP plus diet,
and in individuals without MeSy treated with HSEP. Significant differences in total cholesterol, HDL-c,
and the TAG/HDL-c ratio were found when the means of absolute differences among treatments
were compared (ANOVA po0.02). Therefore, in addition to the well documented hypotensive effects
of Hibiscus sabdariffa, we suggest the use of HSEP in individuals with dyslipidemia associated with
MeSy | |
