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Pamela Maffioli - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Berberis aristata silybum marianum fixed combination on lipid profile and insulin secretion in dyslipidemic patients
Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 2013Co-Authors: Giuseppe Derosa, Aldo Bonaventura, Lucio Bianchi, Davide Romano, Elena Fogari, Angela Dangelo, Pamela MaffioliAbstract:Background: Relatively large number of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals have been studied for their supposed or demonstrated ability to reduce cholesterolemia in humans. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy as antihypercholesterolemic and insulin-sensitizing agent of a combination of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum extract (Berberol®) in a sample of dyslipidemic patients. A total of 102 dyslipidemic subjects were enrolled. After a 6 months run-in period of diet and physical activity, the patients were randomized to placebo or Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum extract 588 mg/105 mg, twice a day for 3 months. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum and placebo were then interrupted for 2 months (washout period), and then restarted for further 3 months. Anthropometric and metabolic parameters were assessed; moreover, all patients underwent a glucagon stimulation test. Results: Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotei...
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Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum fixed combination on lipid profile and insulin secretion in dyslipidemic patients.
Expert opinion on biological therapy, 2013Co-Authors: Giuseppe Derosa, Aldo Bonaventura, Lucio Bianchi, Davide Romano, Elena Fogari, Angela D'angelo, Pamela MaffioliAbstract:Background: Relatively large number of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals have been studied for their supposed or demonstrated ability to reduce cholesterolemia in humans. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy as antihypercholesterolemic and insulin-sensitizing agent of a combination of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum extract (Berberol®) in a sample of dyslipidemic patients. A total of 102 dyslipidemic subjects were enrolled. After a 6 months run-in period of diet and physical activity, the patients were randomized to placebo or Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum extract 588 mg/105 mg, twice a day for 3 months. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum and placebo were then interrupted for 2 months (washout period), and then restarted for further 3 months. Anthropometric and metabolic parameters were assessed; moreover, all patients underwent a glucagon stimulation test. Results: Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotei...
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effects of Berberis aristata silybum marianum association on metabolic parameters and adipocytokines in overweight dyslipidemic patients
Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents, 2013Co-Authors: Giuseppe Derosa, Aldo Bonaventura, Lucio Bianchi, Davide Romano, A D' Angelo, Elena Fogari, Pamela MaffioliAbstract:Nutraceuticals and functional foods have attracted considerable interest as potential alternative therapies for treatment of different cardiovascular disorders and insulin resistance. We evaluated the efficacy of a combination of Berberis Aristata/Silybum Marianum extract (Berberol®) in a sample of overweight, dyslipidemic patients at low cardiovascular risk. We enrolled 105 Caucasian, euglycemic, overweight, dyslipidemic patients, of either sex. At baseline all patients underwent a 6 months run-in period during which they followed an adequate diet and practiced physical activity. At the end of the run-in period, patients were randomised to take placebo or a combination of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum, 1 tablet during the lunch and 1 tablet during the dinner, for three months, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum and placebo were then interrupted for 2 months (wash-out period), and all patients continued with only diet and physical activity. At the end of the wash-out period, patients re-started Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum or placebo twice a day for further 3 months. We evaluated during the run-in period, at randomisation, before and after the wash-out period these parameters: body weight and BMI, fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, insulin resistance, retinol binding protein-4 (RBP-4), adiponectin (ADN), resistin. Total cholesterol, LDL-C, and Tg decreased, and HDL-C increase after 3 months of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum, both compared to baseline and placebo. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum decreased fasting plasma insulin, and HOMA-IR, both compared to baseline and to placebo. Moreover, there was a decrease of RBP-4, and resistin, and an increase of ADN after 3 months of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum. All these positive effects disappeared after the wash-out period, and re-appeared after the re-introduction of the drug. We observed a significant correlation between HOMA-index decrease and resistin, and RBP-4 decrease, and between HOMA-index decrease and ADN increase in Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum group, but not in placebo group. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum fixed combination seems to be safe and effective in improving lipid profile, but also in improving insulin resistance and adipocytokines levels.
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Effects of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum association on metabolic parameters and adipocytokines in overweight dyslipidemic patients
Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents, 2013Co-Authors: Giuseppe Derosa, Aldo Bonaventura, Lucio Bianchi, Davide Romano, A D' Angelo, Elena Fogari, Pamela MaffioliAbstract:Nutraceuticals and functional foods have attracted considerable interest as potential alternative therapies for treatment of different cardiovascular disorders and insulin resistance. We evaluated the efficacy of a combination of Berberis Aristata/Silybum Marianum extract (Berberol®) in a sample of overweight, dyslipidemic patients at low cardiovascular risk. We enrolled 105 Caucasian, euglycemic, overweight, dyslipidemic patients, of either sex. At baseline all patients underwent a 6 months run-in period during which they followed an adequate diet and practiced physical activity. At the end of the run-in period, patients were randomised to take placebo or a combination of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum, 1 tablet during the lunch and 1 tablet during the dinner, for three months, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum and placebo were then interrupted for 2 months (wash-out period), and all patients continued with only diet and physical activity. At the end of the wash-out period, patients re-started Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum or placebo twice a day for further 3 months. We evaluated during the run-in period, at randomisation, before and after the wash-out period these parameters: body weight and BMI, fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, insulin resistance, retinol binding protein-4 (RBP-4), adiponectin (ADN), resistin. Total cholesterol, LDL-C, and Tg decreased, and HDL-C increase after 3 months of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum, both compared to baseline and placebo. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum decreased fasting plasma insulin, and HOMA-IR, both compared to baseline and to placebo. Moreover, there was a decrease of RBP-4, and resistin, and an increase of ADN after 3 months of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum. All these positive effects disappeared after the wash-out period, and re-appeared after the re-introduction of the drug. We observed a significant correlation between HOMA-index decrease and resistin, and RBP-4 decrease, and between HOMA-index decrease and ADN increase in Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum group, but not in placebo group. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum fixed combination seems to be safe and effective in improving lipid profile, but also in improving insulin resistance and adipocytokines levels.
Bhupendra Singh Adhikari - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Rediscovery of two endemic species of Berberis from Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya, India
Biodiversity: Research and Conservation, 2012Co-Authors: Umeshkumar L. Tiwari, Gopal Rawat, Bhupendra Singh AdhikariAbstract:Two endemic Berberis species (Berberidaceae) viz., Berberis ahrendtii R. R. Rao and Uniyal and Berberis lambertii Parker, are first time rediscovered after ca. 100 years since their type localities were found. These species are recorded from the Chamoli and Pithoragarh districts of Uttarakhand, India. Taxonomic description, synonyms, distribution information, locality details of specimens examined and photographs are provided for each species.
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A checklist of Berberidaceae in Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya, India
Check List, 2012Co-Authors: Umeshkumar L. Tiwari, Bhupendra Singh Adhikari, Gopal S. RawatAbstract:In India, Berberidaceae is represented by three genera and 68 species. The largest among genera is Berberis (55 species). Majority of Berberidaceae members are distributed in the Himalayan region. Only four species are found away from the Himalayan region, i.e., Nilgiri hills, Chhota Nagpur and Pachmarhi hills of Madhya Pradesh. Extensive surveys were conducted in various ecoclimatic zones of Uttarakhand between years of 2008 and 2010. For each species encountered, field notes were taken along with the voucher specimen following standard technique. During field survey, field notes, date, locality, habitat and brief identification features were noted. A checklist of 36 taxa of Berberidaceae recorded from the state of Uttarakhand, India, is provided. Of these, 32 belong to genus Berberis and four belong to genus Mahonia . The present study shows that Berberis hamiltoniana Ahrendt and Berberis apiculata Ahrendt are new records for Uttarakhand state. Berberis lambertii Parker has been rediscovered after a century gap. Nomenclature has been updated as far as possible with the help of available recent taxonomic literature.
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Berberis rawatii sp. nov. (Berberidaceae) from India
Nordic Journal of Botany, 2011Co-Authors: Umeshkumar L. Tiwari, Bhupendra Singh AdhikariAbstract:In India, 55 species of Berberis have been reported and 22 species are found in Uttarakhand state. Berberis rawatii (Berberidaceae), a new species from Chamoli and Pithoragarh districts of Uttarakhand state of India (western Himalaya) is here described and illustrated. In terms of leaf and inflorescence, Berberis rawatii shows affinities with B. cretica L. Both these species have entire leaves, fascicled inflorescences, conspicuous style and black berries, but B. rawatii differs in the presence of a petiole, the dorsal surface of leaf pruinose, presence of elongated-ovate glands, presence of prophylls, three ovules and pruinose fruits.
Giuseppe Derosa - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Berberis aristata silybum marianum fixed combination on lipid profile and insulin secretion in dyslipidemic patients
Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 2013Co-Authors: Giuseppe Derosa, Aldo Bonaventura, Lucio Bianchi, Davide Romano, Elena Fogari, Angela Dangelo, Pamela MaffioliAbstract:Background: Relatively large number of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals have been studied for their supposed or demonstrated ability to reduce cholesterolemia in humans. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy as antihypercholesterolemic and insulin-sensitizing agent of a combination of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum extract (Berberol®) in a sample of dyslipidemic patients. A total of 102 dyslipidemic subjects were enrolled. After a 6 months run-in period of diet and physical activity, the patients were randomized to placebo or Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum extract 588 mg/105 mg, twice a day for 3 months. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum and placebo were then interrupted for 2 months (washout period), and then restarted for further 3 months. Anthropometric and metabolic parameters were assessed; moreover, all patients underwent a glucagon stimulation test. Results: Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotei...
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Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum fixed combination on lipid profile and insulin secretion in dyslipidemic patients.
Expert opinion on biological therapy, 2013Co-Authors: Giuseppe Derosa, Aldo Bonaventura, Lucio Bianchi, Davide Romano, Elena Fogari, Angela D'angelo, Pamela MaffioliAbstract:Background: Relatively large number of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals have been studied for their supposed or demonstrated ability to reduce cholesterolemia in humans. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy as antihypercholesterolemic and insulin-sensitizing agent of a combination of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum extract (Berberol®) in a sample of dyslipidemic patients. A total of 102 dyslipidemic subjects were enrolled. After a 6 months run-in period of diet and physical activity, the patients were randomized to placebo or Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum extract 588 mg/105 mg, twice a day for 3 months. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum and placebo were then interrupted for 2 months (washout period), and then restarted for further 3 months. Anthropometric and metabolic parameters were assessed; moreover, all patients underwent a glucagon stimulation test. Results: Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotei...
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effects of Berberis aristata silybum marianum association on metabolic parameters and adipocytokines in overweight dyslipidemic patients
Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents, 2013Co-Authors: Giuseppe Derosa, Aldo Bonaventura, Lucio Bianchi, Davide Romano, A D' Angelo, Elena Fogari, Pamela MaffioliAbstract:Nutraceuticals and functional foods have attracted considerable interest as potential alternative therapies for treatment of different cardiovascular disorders and insulin resistance. We evaluated the efficacy of a combination of Berberis Aristata/Silybum Marianum extract (Berberol®) in a sample of overweight, dyslipidemic patients at low cardiovascular risk. We enrolled 105 Caucasian, euglycemic, overweight, dyslipidemic patients, of either sex. At baseline all patients underwent a 6 months run-in period during which they followed an adequate diet and practiced physical activity. At the end of the run-in period, patients were randomised to take placebo or a combination of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum, 1 tablet during the lunch and 1 tablet during the dinner, for three months, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum and placebo were then interrupted for 2 months (wash-out period), and all patients continued with only diet and physical activity. At the end of the wash-out period, patients re-started Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum or placebo twice a day for further 3 months. We evaluated during the run-in period, at randomisation, before and after the wash-out period these parameters: body weight and BMI, fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, insulin resistance, retinol binding protein-4 (RBP-4), adiponectin (ADN), resistin. Total cholesterol, LDL-C, and Tg decreased, and HDL-C increase after 3 months of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum, both compared to baseline and placebo. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum decreased fasting plasma insulin, and HOMA-IR, both compared to baseline and to placebo. Moreover, there was a decrease of RBP-4, and resistin, and an increase of ADN after 3 months of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum. All these positive effects disappeared after the wash-out period, and re-appeared after the re-introduction of the drug. We observed a significant correlation between HOMA-index decrease and resistin, and RBP-4 decrease, and between HOMA-index decrease and ADN increase in Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum group, but not in placebo group. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum fixed combination seems to be safe and effective in improving lipid profile, but also in improving insulin resistance and adipocytokines levels.
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Effects of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum association on metabolic parameters and adipocytokines in overweight dyslipidemic patients
Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents, 2013Co-Authors: Giuseppe Derosa, Aldo Bonaventura, Lucio Bianchi, Davide Romano, A D' Angelo, Elena Fogari, Pamela MaffioliAbstract:Nutraceuticals and functional foods have attracted considerable interest as potential alternative therapies for treatment of different cardiovascular disorders and insulin resistance. We evaluated the efficacy of a combination of Berberis Aristata/Silybum Marianum extract (Berberol®) in a sample of overweight, dyslipidemic patients at low cardiovascular risk. We enrolled 105 Caucasian, euglycemic, overweight, dyslipidemic patients, of either sex. At baseline all patients underwent a 6 months run-in period during which they followed an adequate diet and practiced physical activity. At the end of the run-in period, patients were randomised to take placebo or a combination of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum, 1 tablet during the lunch and 1 tablet during the dinner, for three months, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum and placebo were then interrupted for 2 months (wash-out period), and all patients continued with only diet and physical activity. At the end of the wash-out period, patients re-started Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum or placebo twice a day for further 3 months. We evaluated during the run-in period, at randomisation, before and after the wash-out period these parameters: body weight and BMI, fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, insulin resistance, retinol binding protein-4 (RBP-4), adiponectin (ADN), resistin. Total cholesterol, LDL-C, and Tg decreased, and HDL-C increase after 3 months of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum, both compared to baseline and placebo. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum decreased fasting plasma insulin, and HOMA-IR, both compared to baseline and to placebo. Moreover, there was a decrease of RBP-4, and resistin, and an increase of ADN after 3 months of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum. All these positive effects disappeared after the wash-out period, and re-appeared after the re-introduction of the drug. We observed a significant correlation between HOMA-index decrease and resistin, and RBP-4 decrease, and between HOMA-index decrease and ADN increase in Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum group, but not in placebo group. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum fixed combination seems to be safe and effective in improving lipid profile, but also in improving insulin resistance and adipocytokines levels.
Umeshkumar L. Tiwari - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Rediscovery of two endemic species of Berberis from Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya, India
Biodiversity: Research and Conservation, 2012Co-Authors: Umeshkumar L. Tiwari, Gopal Rawat, Bhupendra Singh AdhikariAbstract:Two endemic Berberis species (Berberidaceae) viz., Berberis ahrendtii R. R. Rao and Uniyal and Berberis lambertii Parker, are first time rediscovered after ca. 100 years since their type localities were found. These species are recorded from the Chamoli and Pithoragarh districts of Uttarakhand, India. Taxonomic description, synonyms, distribution information, locality details of specimens examined and photographs are provided for each species.
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A checklist of Berberidaceae in Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya, India
Check List, 2012Co-Authors: Umeshkumar L. Tiwari, Bhupendra Singh Adhikari, Gopal S. RawatAbstract:In India, Berberidaceae is represented by three genera and 68 species. The largest among genera is Berberis (55 species). Majority of Berberidaceae members are distributed in the Himalayan region. Only four species are found away from the Himalayan region, i.e., Nilgiri hills, Chhota Nagpur and Pachmarhi hills of Madhya Pradesh. Extensive surveys were conducted in various ecoclimatic zones of Uttarakhand between years of 2008 and 2010. For each species encountered, field notes were taken along with the voucher specimen following standard technique. During field survey, field notes, date, locality, habitat and brief identification features were noted. A checklist of 36 taxa of Berberidaceae recorded from the state of Uttarakhand, India, is provided. Of these, 32 belong to genus Berberis and four belong to genus Mahonia . The present study shows that Berberis hamiltoniana Ahrendt and Berberis apiculata Ahrendt are new records for Uttarakhand state. Berberis lambertii Parker has been rediscovered after a century gap. Nomenclature has been updated as far as possible with the help of available recent taxonomic literature.
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Berberis rawatii sp. nov. (Berberidaceae) from India
Nordic Journal of Botany, 2011Co-Authors: Umeshkumar L. Tiwari, Bhupendra Singh AdhikariAbstract:In India, 55 species of Berberis have been reported and 22 species are found in Uttarakhand state. Berberis rawatii (Berberidaceae), a new species from Chamoli and Pithoragarh districts of Uttarakhand state of India (western Himalaya) is here described and illustrated. In terms of leaf and inflorescence, Berberis rawatii shows affinities with B. cretica L. Both these species have entire leaves, fascicled inflorescences, conspicuous style and black berries, but B. rawatii differs in the presence of a petiole, the dorsal surface of leaf pruinose, presence of elongated-ovate glands, presence of prophylls, three ovules and pruinose fruits.
Davide Romano - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Berberis aristata silybum marianum fixed combination on lipid profile and insulin secretion in dyslipidemic patients
Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 2013Co-Authors: Giuseppe Derosa, Aldo Bonaventura, Lucio Bianchi, Davide Romano, Elena Fogari, Angela Dangelo, Pamela MaffioliAbstract:Background: Relatively large number of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals have been studied for their supposed or demonstrated ability to reduce cholesterolemia in humans. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy as antihypercholesterolemic and insulin-sensitizing agent of a combination of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum extract (Berberol®) in a sample of dyslipidemic patients. A total of 102 dyslipidemic subjects were enrolled. After a 6 months run-in period of diet and physical activity, the patients were randomized to placebo or Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum extract 588 mg/105 mg, twice a day for 3 months. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum and placebo were then interrupted for 2 months (washout period), and then restarted for further 3 months. Anthropometric and metabolic parameters were assessed; moreover, all patients underwent a glucagon stimulation test. Results: Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotei...
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Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum fixed combination on lipid profile and insulin secretion in dyslipidemic patients.
Expert opinion on biological therapy, 2013Co-Authors: Giuseppe Derosa, Aldo Bonaventura, Lucio Bianchi, Davide Romano, Elena Fogari, Angela D'angelo, Pamela MaffioliAbstract:Background: Relatively large number of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals have been studied for their supposed or demonstrated ability to reduce cholesterolemia in humans. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy as antihypercholesterolemic and insulin-sensitizing agent of a combination of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum extract (Berberol®) in a sample of dyslipidemic patients. A total of 102 dyslipidemic subjects were enrolled. After a 6 months run-in period of diet and physical activity, the patients were randomized to placebo or Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum extract 588 mg/105 mg, twice a day for 3 months. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum and placebo were then interrupted for 2 months (washout period), and then restarted for further 3 months. Anthropometric and metabolic parameters were assessed; moreover, all patients underwent a glucagon stimulation test. Results: Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotei...
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effects of Berberis aristata silybum marianum association on metabolic parameters and adipocytokines in overweight dyslipidemic patients
Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents, 2013Co-Authors: Giuseppe Derosa, Aldo Bonaventura, Lucio Bianchi, Davide Romano, A D' Angelo, Elena Fogari, Pamela MaffioliAbstract:Nutraceuticals and functional foods have attracted considerable interest as potential alternative therapies for treatment of different cardiovascular disorders and insulin resistance. We evaluated the efficacy of a combination of Berberis Aristata/Silybum Marianum extract (Berberol®) in a sample of overweight, dyslipidemic patients at low cardiovascular risk. We enrolled 105 Caucasian, euglycemic, overweight, dyslipidemic patients, of either sex. At baseline all patients underwent a 6 months run-in period during which they followed an adequate diet and practiced physical activity. At the end of the run-in period, patients were randomised to take placebo or a combination of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum, 1 tablet during the lunch and 1 tablet during the dinner, for three months, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum and placebo were then interrupted for 2 months (wash-out period), and all patients continued with only diet and physical activity. At the end of the wash-out period, patients re-started Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum or placebo twice a day for further 3 months. We evaluated during the run-in period, at randomisation, before and after the wash-out period these parameters: body weight and BMI, fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, insulin resistance, retinol binding protein-4 (RBP-4), adiponectin (ADN), resistin. Total cholesterol, LDL-C, and Tg decreased, and HDL-C increase after 3 months of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum, both compared to baseline and placebo. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum decreased fasting plasma insulin, and HOMA-IR, both compared to baseline and to placebo. Moreover, there was a decrease of RBP-4, and resistin, and an increase of ADN after 3 months of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum. All these positive effects disappeared after the wash-out period, and re-appeared after the re-introduction of the drug. We observed a significant correlation between HOMA-index decrease and resistin, and RBP-4 decrease, and between HOMA-index decrease and ADN increase in Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum group, but not in placebo group. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum fixed combination seems to be safe and effective in improving lipid profile, but also in improving insulin resistance and adipocytokines levels.
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Effects of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum association on metabolic parameters and adipocytokines in overweight dyslipidemic patients
Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents, 2013Co-Authors: Giuseppe Derosa, Aldo Bonaventura, Lucio Bianchi, Davide Romano, A D' Angelo, Elena Fogari, Pamela MaffioliAbstract:Nutraceuticals and functional foods have attracted considerable interest as potential alternative therapies for treatment of different cardiovascular disorders and insulin resistance. We evaluated the efficacy of a combination of Berberis Aristata/Silybum Marianum extract (Berberol®) in a sample of overweight, dyslipidemic patients at low cardiovascular risk. We enrolled 105 Caucasian, euglycemic, overweight, dyslipidemic patients, of either sex. At baseline all patients underwent a 6 months run-in period during which they followed an adequate diet and practiced physical activity. At the end of the run-in period, patients were randomised to take placebo or a combination of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum, 1 tablet during the lunch and 1 tablet during the dinner, for three months, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum and placebo were then interrupted for 2 months (wash-out period), and all patients continued with only diet and physical activity. At the end of the wash-out period, patients re-started Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum or placebo twice a day for further 3 months. We evaluated during the run-in period, at randomisation, before and after the wash-out period these parameters: body weight and BMI, fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, insulin resistance, retinol binding protein-4 (RBP-4), adiponectin (ADN), resistin. Total cholesterol, LDL-C, and Tg decreased, and HDL-C increase after 3 months of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum, both compared to baseline and placebo. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum decreased fasting plasma insulin, and HOMA-IR, both compared to baseline and to placebo. Moreover, there was a decrease of RBP-4, and resistin, and an increase of ADN after 3 months of Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum. All these positive effects disappeared after the wash-out period, and re-appeared after the re-introduction of the drug. We observed a significant correlation between HOMA-index decrease and resistin, and RBP-4 decrease, and between HOMA-index decrease and ADN increase in Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum group, but not in placebo group. Berberis aristata/Silybum marianum fixed combination seems to be safe and effective in improving lipid profile, but also in improving insulin resistance and adipocytokines levels.