Long-term Effects of Processed Berberis Vulgaris on Some Metabolic Syndrome Components

Metabolic syndrome is complex of metabolic disorders that correlates with cardiovascular disease. This study aimed at investigating the effect of processed Berberis vulgaris (B.vulgaris) on some metabolic syndrome components. Participants, type2 diabetics, were recruited in a randomized controlled clinical trial (n = 57) and randomly assigned into three groups: 1) processed B.vulgaris (n =19), 2) apple vinegar group (n =19) and 3) control group (n =19). Height, weight, serum total cholesterol, HDL-, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at baseline and at the end of the 8th week and BMI, total/HDL-cholesterol ratio and insulin resistance were estimated. Processed B.vulgaris group showed no significant effects on BMI, total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose concentrations, whereas LDL-cholesterol concentration (22.48±35.44mg/dl) and total/HDL-cholesterol ratio (2.56±4.87) significantly decreased and HDL-cholesterol concentration (12.33±20.58mg/dl) increased (P<0.05). No significant effect on lipid profiles was found in the apple vinegar group. Increased insulin concentration and insulin resistance was observed in all of these groups (P<0.001), independent of processed B.vulgaris and apple vinegar effects. Findings of the present study showed the beneficial effects of processed B.vulgaris on certain atherosclerosis risk factors.