The effects of Vaccinium arctostaphylos on lipid profile in mild hyperlipidemia patients- a randomized clinical trial

Hyperlipidemia, or increased of blood fat, is known as an independent risk factor in cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Vaccinium arctostaphylos on lipid profile levels in patients with hyperlipidemia. This randomized clinical trial, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study performed with 50 patients in 14-76 years old with low hyperlipidemia participated in the study. Patients were randomly divided into control, consumer capsule placebo (n= 25) and consumer V. arctostaphylos capsules (n=25), and 2 V. arctostaphylos capsules consumed daily. At the beginning and end of the study, serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low dense lipoprotein (LDL) and decrease of level of high dense lipoprotein (HDL) were compared. There was no significant difference about the characteristics of the subjects (age, TC, LDL, HDL, TG, and BMI), between groups at baseline. V. arctostaphylos group compared with the control group after one month showed a decrease significantly for factors (TC: 226.48±32.09 vs 192.04±28.81, LDL-C: 132.80±23.76 vs 121.36±27.46, TG: 226.20±96.99 vs 156.56±46.76) (P<0.05), but it showed no significant differences for BMI and HDL-C factors (p>0.05). V. arctostaphylos consumption during a month led to decrease lipid profile in hyperlipidemia patients. So, this plant can be valuable to prevent the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases.