Cinnamon supplementation does not improve glycemic control in postmenopausal type 2 diabetes patients. Effects of Cinnamon Consumption on Glycemic Status, Lipid Profile and Body Composition in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Glycated haemoglobin and blood pressure-lowering effect of cinnamon in multi-ethnic Type 2 diabetic patients in the UK: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Insulin resistance improvement by cinnamon powder in polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized double‐blind placebo controlled clinical trial Effects of Cinnamon, Cardamom, Saffron, and Ginger Consumption on Markers of Glycemic Control, Lipid Profile, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes Patients. Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes. Dietary cinnamon supplementation and changes in systolic blood pressure in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon extract lowers glucose, insulin and cholesterol in people with elevated serum glucose Effect of cinnamon supplementation on glucose, lipids levels, glomerular filtration rate, and blood pressure of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus Efficacy of cinnamon in patients with type II diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Cinnamon extract improves fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin level in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon may have therapeutic benefits on lipid profile, liver enzymes, insulin resistance, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients. Favorable effects of berry consumption on platelet function, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol. Continuous intake of polyphenolic compounds containing cocoa powder reduces LDL oxidative susceptibility and has beneficial effects on plasma HDL-cholesterol concentrations in humans. Effect of cinnamon, cardamom, saffron and ginger consumption on blood pressure and a marker of endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled clinical trial HDL-cholesterol-raising effect of orange juice in subjects with hypercholesterolemia. Aronia berry polyphenol consumption reduces plasma total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in former smokers without lowering biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: a randomized controlled trial. A Dietary Supplement Containing Cinnamon, Chromium and Carnosine Decreases Fasting Plasma Glucose and Increases Lean Mass in Overweight or Obese Pre-Diabetic Subjects: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial Protective effects of cinnamon bark extract against ischemia–reperfusion injury and arrhythmias in rat Flavonoid-Rich Dark Chocolate Improves Endothelial Function and Increases Plasma Epicatechin Concentrations in Healthy Adults Dietetic guidelines: diet in secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Plasma LDL and HDL cholesterol and oxidized LDL concentrations are altered in normo- and hypercholesterolemic humans after intake of different levels of cocoa powder. Curcumin effects on blood lipid profile in a 6-month human study.
In vitro and in vivo animal studies have reported strong insulin-like or insulin-potentiating effects after cinnamon administration . Recently , a human intervention study showed that cinnamon supplementation ( 1 g/d ) strongly reduced fasting blood glucose concentration ( 30 % ) and improved the blood lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes . The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of cinnamon supplementation on insulin sensitivity and /or glucose tolerance and blood lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes . Therefore , a total of 25 postmenopausal patients with type 2 diabetes ( aged 62.9 + /- 1.5 y , BMI 30.4 + /- 0.9 kg/m2 ) participated in a 6-wk intervention during which they were supplemented with either cinnamon ( Cinnamomum cassia , 1.5 g/d ) or a placebo . Before and after 2 and 6 wk of supplementation , arterialized blood sample s were obtained and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed . Blood lipid profiles and multiple indices of whole-body insulin sensitivity were determined . There were no time x treatment interactions for whole-body insulin sensitivity or oral glucose tolerance . The blood lipid profile of fasting subjects did not change after cinnamon supplementation . We conclude that cinnamon supplementation ( 1.5 g/d ) does not improve whole-body insulin sensitivity or oral glucose tolerance and does not modulate blood lipid profile in postmenopausal patients with type 2 diabetes . More research on the proposed health benefits of cinnamon supplementation is warranted before health cl aims should be made Objective : Type 2 diabetes is the most common metabolic disorder worldwide . Traditional herbs and spices can be used to control blood glucose concentrations . The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the daily intake of three grams cinnamon over eight weeks on glycemic status , lipid profiles and body composition in type 2 diabetic patients . Methods : A double blind , r and omized , placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted on 44 patients with type 2 diabetes . Participants were r and omly assigned to take either a three g/day cinnamon supplement ( n=22 ) or a placebo ( n=22 ) for eight weeks . Weight , height , body fat mass and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured at baseline and after intervention . The fasting blood glucose , insulin , HbA1c , total cholesterol , LDL C , HDL C , Apo lipoprotein A I and B were measured at baseline and endpoint . Results : From 44 subjects participated in this study 37 completed the study . There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics , dietary intake and physical activity between groups . In the treatment group , the levels of fasting blood glucose , HbA1c , triglyceride , weight , BMI and body fat mass decreased significantly compared to baseline , but not in placebo group . No significant differences were observed in glycemic status indicators , lipid profile and anthropometric indicators between the groups at the end of intervention . Conclusion : These data suggest that cinnamon may have a moderate effect in improving glycemic status indicators AIMS To determine the blood glucose lowering effect of cinnamon on HbA1c , blood pressure and lipid profiles in people with type 2 diabetes . METHODS 58 type 2 diabetic patients ( 25 males and 33 females ) , aged 54.9 ± 9.8 , treated only with hypoglycemic agents and with an HbA1c more than 7 % were r and omly assigned to receive either 2 g of cinnamon or placebo daily for 12 weeks . RESULTS After intervention , the mean HbA1c was significantly decreased ( P<0.005 ) in the cinnamon group ( 8.22 % to 7.86 % ) compared with placebo group ( 8.55 % to 8.68 % ) . Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures ( SBP and DBP ) were also significantly reduced ( P<0.001 ) after 12 weeks in the cinnamon group ( SBP : 132.6 to 129.2 mmHg and DBP : 85.2 to 80.2 mmHg ) compared with the placebo group ( SBP : 134.5 to 134.9 mmHg and DBP : 86.8 to 86.1 mmHg ) . A significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose ( FPG ) , waist circumference and body mass index ( BMI ) was observed at week 12 compared to baseline in the cinnamon group , however , the changes were not significant when compared to placebo group . There were no significant differences in serum lipid profiles of total cholesterol , triglycerides , HDL and LDL cholesterols neither between nor within the groups . CONCLUSIONS Intake of 2 g of cinnamon for 12 weeks significantly reduces the HbA1c , SBP and DBP among poorly controlled type 2 diabetes patients  . Cinnamon supplementation could be considered as an additional dietary supplement option to regulate blood glucose and blood pressure levels along with conventional medications to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus Our aim is to assess the effect of cinnamon powder capsules on insulin resistance , anthropometric measurements , glucose and lipid profiles , and and rogens of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome ( PCOS ) . Out of 80 women that were diagnosed as PCOS by Rotterdam Criteria , 66 were enrolled in this r and omized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial . All of the PCOS women were taking medroxy progesterone acetate 10 mg/day for the last 10 days of their menstrual cycles . The cases were r and omly allocated to 2 groups . The women in the first group were treated by cinnamon powder capsules 1.5 g/day in 3 divided doses for 12 weeks and the second group by similar placebo capsules .  Anthropometric measurements , fasting blood sugar , fasting insulin , blood glucose 2 hr after taking 75 g oral glucose , HbA1c , testosterone , dehydroepi and rosterone sulphate , homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance , triglyceride , and cholesterol ( low-density lipoprotein , high-density lipoprotein , and total ) before and after the intervention were evaluated and compared as outcome measures . Fasting insulin ( p = .024 ) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance ( p = .014 ) were reduced after 12 weeks in the cinnamon group compared with the placebo . There was also a significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein in cinnamon group ( p = .004 ) as compared with baseline that caused significant difference with placebo ( p = .049 ) . However , changes in other outcome measurements did not lead to statistically significant difference with placebo . The present results suggest that complementary supplementation of cinnamon significantly reduced fasting insulin and insulin resistance in women with PCOS OBJECTIVES Type 2 diabetes ( T2D ) may be caused by elevated oxidative stress , inflammation , and hyperglycemia . The phytochemicals in several herbal medicines are reported to effectively improve diabetes and to ameliorate diabetic complications . The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of cinnamon , cardamom , saffron , and ginger as supplementary remedies in T2D . METHODS This r and omized controlled , clinical trial included 204 T2D patients . The participants were r and omly assigned to four intervention groups receiving 3 glasses of black tea and either 3 g cardamom , or cinnamon , or ginger , or 1 g saffron and one control group which consumed only 3 tea glasses without any herbal medicine for 8 weeks . Markers of inflammation , oxidative stress , fasting blood sugar , lipid profile , and anthropometric measures were evaluated at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention . RESULTS After 8 weeks of intervention , cinnamon , cardamom , ginger , and saffron consumption had significant effects on total cholesterol , LDL , and HDL levels ( p < 0.05 ) compared with controls . However , the herbal products did not have significant effects on measures of glycemic control , anthropometry , inflammation , and oxidative stress . In within-group comparisons only , cinnamon intake significantly decreased fasting blood sugar ( FBS ) . CONCLUSIONS The herbal remedies examined had significantly beneficial effects on cholesterol , but not on measures of glycemic control , oxidative stress , and inflammation . Based on the contradictory results reported in the literature , the effects of herbal medicine in diabetic patients should undergo further detailed investigation OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine whether cinnamon improves blood glucose , triglyceride , total cholesterol , HDL cholesterol , and LDL cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes . RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 60 people with type 2 diabetes , 30 men and 30 women aged 52.2 + /- 6.32 years , were divided r and omly into six groups . Groups 1 , 2 , and 3 consumed 1 , 3 , or 6 g of cinnamon daily , respectively , and groups 4 , 5 , and 6 were given placebo capsules corresponding to the number of capsules consumed for the three levels of cinnamon . The cinnamon was consumed for 40 days followed by a 20-day washout period . RESULTS After 40 days , all three levels of cinnamon reduced the mean fasting serum glucose ( 18 - 29 % ) , triglyceride ( 23 - 30 % ) , LDL cholesterol ( 7 - 27 % ) , and total cholesterol ( 12 - 26 % ) levels ; no significant changes were noted in the placebo groups . Changes in HDL cholesterol were not significant . CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrate that intake of 1 , 3 , or 6 g of cinnamon per day reduces serum glucose , triglyceride , LDL cholesterol , and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes and suggest that the inclusion of cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases Experimental and some clinical evidence suggests that ingestion of cinnamon may improve metabolic measures in individuals with diabetes ; however , few human studies have been design ed to examine this association as their primary objective . In this study adult subjects 30 years of age or older with type 2 diabetes were r and omized to treatment with 1,200 mg/day cinnamon or matched placebo . Blood pressure , hemoglobin A1c , fasting blood glucose , lipid profile , physical examination , and blood and urine chemistry were measured at baseline and at the 12-week follow-up end-of-treatment visit . In total , 59 subjects ( 40.7 % female ; mean age , 63.05±10.85 years ) were recruited . Systolic blood pressure ( SBP ) declined from baseline values by 3.4±11.4 mm Hg in the cinnamon group and increased by 1.9±10.2 mm Hg in the placebo group ( P=.06 ) . In repeated- measures analysis , a significant by-treatment difference over time was detected ( P=.02 ) . However , when baseline SBP was included in the model as a covariate , change from baseline SBP was no longer associated with treatment . Although cinnamon added to the diets of spontaneously hypertensive rats has been shown to decrease SBP in a dose-dependent manner , results of the present study in humans suggest that the by-treatment difference in change-from-baseline SBP was a function of regression to the mean rather than a treatment-associated change Cinnamon ( 肉桂 ròu guì ) has in vitro insulin potentiating activity , and proanthocyanidins from cinnamon prevent in vitro formation of advanced glycation end products . Some human studies were equivocal , but several have shown beneficial effects of cinnamon supplementation on circulating glucose , lipids , and /or insulin . This placebo-controlled double-blind trial tested the effects of a dried water extract of cinnamon ( Cinnamomum cassia ) on circulating glucose , lipids , insulin , and insulin resistance . Men and women from Beijing and Dalian , China , were invited to participate if they had fasting serum glucose > 6.1 mmol/L or 2-h glucose > 7.8 mmol/L. Participants , ( 173 were enrolled and 137 completed the study ) were r and omly assigned to receive either a spray-dried , water extract of cinnamon ( CinSulin ® ) , 250 mg/capsule , or a placebo , twice a day for two months . Mean ± SEM age of participants was 61.3 ± 0.8 years , BMI was 25.3 ± 0.3 and M/F ratio was 65/72 .  After 2 mo , fasting glucose decreased ( p < 0.001 ) in the cinnamon extract-supplemented group ( 8.85 ± 0.36 to 8.19 ± 0.29 mmol/L ) compared with the placebo group ( 8.57 ± 0.32 to 8.44 ± 0.34 mmol/L , p = 0.45 ) . Glucose 2 h after a 75 g carbohydrate load , fasting insulin , and HOMA-IR also decreased with cinnamon extract compared with  placebo . Total and LDL-cholesterol decreased with cinnamon extract and HDL-cholesterol decreased in both the cinnamon-extract and placebo groups . In conclusion , supplementation with 500 mg of water-extract of cinnamon for two months reduced fasting insulin , glucose , total cholesterol , and LDL cholesterol and enhanced insulin sensitivity of subjects with elevated blood glucose A r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial was performed to investigate the effect of cinnamon supplementation on glucose , triglyceride ( TG ) , and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol ( HDL-C ) levels , TG/HDL-C ratio , blood pressure ( BP ) , and estimated glomerular filtration rate ( eGFR ) for ninety-nine type 2 diabetes mellitus ( T2DM ) patients . Forty nine ( 49 ) patients with T2DM were in the cinnamon group whereas 50 were in the placebo group . All participants received either a cinnamon or placebo capsule daily for the 60-day study period . At the end of the study , median glucose , TG , TG/HDL-C ratio , and BP were significantly decreased ( p < 0.005 ) whereas HDL-C and eGFR levels were significantly increased ( p < 0.005 ) in the cinnamon supplementation group . Interestingly , the study also revealed reduction of HbA1c levels after the 60-day study period . In the placebo  group , glucose , TG levels tended to increase and HDL-C levels tended to decrease whereas systolic and diastolic BP , HbA1c , and BUN CT were significantly increased and eGFR was significantly reduced ( p < 0.005 ) . Cinnamon supplementation  reduced plasma glucose , HbA1c , triglyceride , TG/HDL-C ratio , and BP and increased HDL-C levels and eGFR in subjects with T2DM . Cinnamon supplementation may be beneficial for those with T2DM to prevent and control diabetic complications BACKGROUND & AIMS Multiple studies have evaluated the hypoglycemic effect of cinnamon in patients with diabetes mellitus ( DM ) type II , with conflicting results . Differences in Baseline Body Mass Index ( BMI ) of patients may be able to explain the observed differences in the results . This study was design ed to evaluate the effect of cinnamon supplementation on anthropometric , glycemic and lipid outcomes of patients with DM type II based on their baseline BMI . METHODS The study was design ed as a triple-blind placebo-controlled r and omized clinical trial , using a parallel design . One hundred and forty patients referred to Diabetes Clinic of Yazd University of Medical Sciences with diagnosis of DM type II were r and omly assigned in four groups : cinnamon ( BMI ≥ 27 , BMI < 27 ) and Placebo ( BMI ≥ 27 , BMI < 27 ) . Patients received cinnamon bark powder or placebo in 500 mg capsules twice daily for 3 months . Anthropometric , glycemic and lipid outcomes were measured before and after the intervention . RESULT Cinnamon supplementation led to improvement of all anthropometric ( BMI , body fat , and visceral fat ) , glycemic ( FPG , 2hpp , HbA1C , Fasting Insulin , and Insulin Resistance ) , and lipids ( Cholesterol Total , LDL-c and HDL-c ) outcomes ( except for triglycerides level ) . All observed changes ( except for Cholesterol Total and LDL-c ) were significantly more prominent in patients with higher baseline BMI ( BMI ≥ 27 ) . CONCLUSION Based on the study findings , cinnamon may improve anthropometric parameters , glycemic indices and lipid profile of patients with type II diabetes . These benefits are significantly more prominent in patients with higher baseline BMI ( BMI ≥ 27 ) . The trial protocol was registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials data base ( registration ID : I RCT 2017031133015N1 ) For thous and s of years , cinnamon has been used as a traditional treatment in China . However , there are no studies to date that investigate whether cinnamon supplements are able to aid in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in Chinese subjects . We hypothesized cinnamon should be effective in improving blood glucose control in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes . To address this hypothesis , we performed a r and omized , double-blinded clinical study to analyze the effect of cinnamon extract on glycosylated hemoglobin A(1c ) and fasting blood glucose levels in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes . A total of 66 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited and r and omly divided into 3 groups : placebo and low-dose and high-dose supplementation with cinnamon extract at 120 and 360 mg/d , respectively . Patients in all 3 groups took gliclazide during the entire 3 months of the study . Both hemoglobin A(1c ) and fasting blood glucose levels were significantly reduced in patients in the low- and high-dose groups , whereas they were not changed in the placebo group . The blood triglyceride levels were also significantly reduced in the low-dose group . The blood levels of total cholesterol , high-density lipoprotein cholesterol , low-density lipoprotein cholesterol , and liver transaminase remained unchanged in the 3 groups . In conclusion , our study indicates that cinnamon supplementation is able to significantly improve blood glucose control in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) is the most prevalent cause of hepatic injury in the world . One of the most important therapeutic strategies for this disease is modulating insulin resistance and oxidative stress . In this study , we investigated the hypothesis that supplementation with cinnamon exerts an insulin sensitizer effect in patients with NAFLD . In a double-blind , placebo-controlled trial with two parallel groups , fifty patients with NAFLD were r and omized to receive daily supplementation with either two capsules of cinnamon ( each capsule contain 750 mg cinnamon ) or 2 placebo capsules , daily for 12 weeks . During the intervention , all patients were given advice on how to implement a balanced diet and physical activity into their daily lives . In the treatment group ( P < .05 ) , significant decreases in HOMA ( Homeostatic Model Assessment ) index , FBS ( fasting blood glucose ) , total cholesterol , triglyceride , ALT ( alanine aminotransferase ) , AST ( aspartate aminotransferase ) , GGT ( gamma glutamine transpeptidase ) , and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were seen , but there was no significant change in serum high-density lipoproteins levels ( P = .122 ) . In both groups , low-density lipoproteins decreased significantly ( P < .05 ) . In conclusion , the study suggests that taking 1500 mg cinnamon daily may be effective in improving NAFLD characteristics BACKGROUND Berries are a particularly rich source of polyphenols . They also contain other bioactive substances , such as vitamin C. Previous studies indicated that the consumption of polyphenol-rich foods ( eg , cocoa , tea , and red wine ) may induce beneficial changes in pathways related to cardiovascular health . Whether the consumption of berries has similar effects is unknown . OBJECTIVE We aim ed to investigate the effects of berry consumption on hemostatic function , serum lipids , and blood pressure ( BP ) . DESIGN Middle-aged unmedicated subjects ( n = 72 ) with cardiovascular risk factors consumed moderate amounts of berry or control products  for 8 wk in a single-blind , r and omized , placebo-controlled intervention trial . RESULTS Berry consumption inhibited platelet function as measured with a platelet function analyzer ( using collagen and ADP as platelet activator ) [ changes : 11 % and -1.4 % in the berry and control groups , respectively ; P = 0.018 , analysis of covariance ( ANCOVA ) ] . Plasma biomarkers of platelet activation , coagulation , and fibrinolysis did not change during the intervention . Serum HDL-cholesterol concentrations increased significantly more ( P = 0.006 , ANCOVA ) in the berry than in the control group ( 5.2 % and 0.6 % , respectively ) , but total cholesterol and triacylglycerol remained unchanged . Systolic BP decreased significantly ( P = 0.050 , ANCOVA ) ; the decrease mostly occurred in subjects with high baseline BP ( 7.3 mm Hg in highest tertile ; P = 0.024 , ANCOVA ) . Polyphenol and vitamin C concentrations in plasma increased , whereas other nutritional biomarkers ( ie , folate , tocopherols , sodium , and potassium ) were unaffected . CONCLUSION The consumption of moderate amounts of berries result ed in favorable changes in platelet function , HDL cholesterol , and BP . The results indicate that regular consumption of berries may play a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease BACKGROUND Cocoa powder is rich in polyphenols such as catechins and procyanidins and has been shown in various models to inhibit LDL oxidation and atherogenesis . OBJECTIVE We examined whether long-term intake of cocoa powder alters plasma lipid profiles in normocholesterolemic and mildly hypercholesterolemic human subjects . DESIGN Twenty-five subjects were r and omly assigned to ingest either 12 g sugar/d ( control group ) or 26 g cocoa powder and 12 g sugar/d ( cocoa group ) for 12 wk . Blood sample s were collected before the study and 12 wk after intake of the test drinks . Plasma lipids , LDL oxidative susceptibility , and urinary oxidative stress markers were measured . RESULTS At 12 wk , we measured a 9 % prolongation from baseline levels in the lag time of LDL oxidation in the cocoa group . This prolongation in the cocoa group was significantly greater than the reduction measured in the control group ( -13 % ) . A significantly greater increase in plasma HDL cholesterol ( 24 % ) was observed in the cocoa group than in the control group ( 5 % ) . A negative correlation was observed between plasma concentrations of HDL cholesterol and oxidized LDL . At 12 wk , there was a 24 % reduction in dityrosine from baseline concentrations in the cocoa group . This reduction in the cocoa group was significantly greater than the reduction in the control group ( -1 % ) . CONCLUSION It is possible that increases in HDL-cholesterol concentrations may contribute to the suppression of LDL oxidation and that polyphenolic substances derived from cocoa powder may contribute to an elevation in HDL cholesterol Abstract Herbal medicines with high amounts of phytochemicals have been shown to have beneficial effects on blood pressure ( BP ) , endothelial function and anthropometric measures . This study aim ed to determine the effect of herbal treatment on BP , endothelial function and anthropometric measures in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus ( T2DM ) . This clinical trial included 204 T2DM patients r and omly assigned to four intervention groups receiving 3 g cinnamon , 3 g cardamom , 1 g saffron or 3 g ginger with three glasses of black tea , and one control group consuming only three glasses of tea without any herbals , for 8 weeks . Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 ( ICAM-1 ) , systolic and diastolic BP and anthropometric measures were collected at baseline and after 8 weeks . No significant difference was found between various medicinal plants in terms of influencing BP , serum soluble (s)ICAM-1 concentrations and anthropometric measures . However , in within-group comparison saffron and ginger intakes significantly reduced sICAM-1 concentrations ( 340.9 ± 14.4 vs 339.69 ± 14.4 ng/ml , p = 0.01 , and 391.78 ± 16.0 vs 390.97 ± 15.8 ng/ml , p = 0.009 , respectively ) and ginger intake affected systolic BP ( 143.06 ± 0.2 vs 142.07 ± 0.2 mmHg , p = 0.02 ) . Although administration of these herbal medicines as supplementary remedies could affect BP and sICAM-1 concentrations , there was no significant difference between the plants in terms of influencing anthropometric measures , BP and endothelial function BACKGROUND Orange juice-a rich source of vitamin C , folate , and flavonoids such as hesperidin-induces hypocholesterolemic responses in animals . OBJECTIVE We determined whether orange juice beneficially altered blood lipids in subjects with moderate hypercholesterolemia . DESIGN The sample consisted of 16 healthy men and 9 healthy women with elevated plasma total and LDL-cholesterol and normal plasma triacylglycerol concentrations . Participants incorporated 1 , 2 , or 3 cups ( 250 mL each ) of orange juice sequentially into their diets , each dose over a period of 4 wk . This was followed by a 5-wk washout period . Plasma lipid , folate , homocyst(e)ine , and vitamin C ( a compliance marker ) concentrations were measured at baseline , after each treatment , and after the washout period . RESULTS Consumption of 750 mL but not of 250 or 500 mL orange juice daily increased HDL-cholesterol concentrations by 21 % ( P : < 0.001 ) , triacylglycerol concentrations by 30 % ( from 1.56 + /- 0.72 to 2.03 + /- 0.91 mmol/L ; P : < 0.02 ) , and folate concentrations by 18 % ( P : < 0.01 ) ; decreased the LDL-HDL cholesterol ratio by 16 % ( P : < 0.005 ) ; and did not affect homocyst(e)ine concentrations . Plasma vitamin C concentrations increased significantly during each dietary period ( 2.1 , 3.1 , and 3.8 times , respectively ) . CONCLUSIONS Orange juice ( 750 mL/d ) improved blood lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic subjects , confirming recommendations to consume > /=5 - 10 servings of fruit and vegetables daily Former smokers are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease . We hypothesized that dietary aronia polyphenols would reduce biomarkers of cardiovascular disease risk , inflammation , and oxidative stress in former smokers . We also determined the extent these effects were associated with polyphenol bioavailability . A 12-week , r and omized , placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 49 healthy adult former smokers ( n = 24/placebo , n = 25/aronia ) to evaluate if daily consumption of 500 mg aronia extract modulated plasma lipids , blood pressure , biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress , and lipid transport genes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells . The primary outcome was change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) from baseline , and multivariate correlation analysis was performed to determine if changes in lipids were associated with urinary polyphenol excretion . Aronia consumption reduced fasting plasma total cholesterol by 8 % ( P = .0140 ) , LDL-C by 11 % ( P = .0285 ) , and LDL receptor protein in peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( P = .0036 ) at 12 weeks compared with the placebo group . Positive changes in the urinary polyphenol metabolites peonidin-3-O-galactoside , 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl ) propionic acid , and unmetabolized anthocyanin cyanidin-3-O-galactoside were associated with lower plasma total cholesterol and LDL-C in the aronia group . Aronia consumption did not change blood pressure or biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress .  Aronia polyphenols  reduced total and LDL-C in former smokers but did not improve biomarkers of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation . The cholesterol-lowering activity of aronia extract was most closely associated with urinary levels of cyanidin-3-O-galactoside and peonidin-3-O-galactoside , its methylated metabolite . This trial was registered at Clinical Trials.gov as NCT01541826 Background Preventing or slowing the progression of prediabetes to diabetes is a major therapeutic issue . Objectives Our aim was to evaluate the effects of 4-month treatment with a dietary supplement containing cinnamon , chromium and carnosine in moderately obese or overweight pre-diabetic subjects , the primary outcome being change in fasting plasma glucose ( FPG ) level . Other parameters of plasma glucose homeostasis , lipid profile , adiposity and inflammatory markers were also assessed . Methods In a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled study , 62 subjects with a FPG level ranging from 5.55 to 7 mmol/L and a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 , unwilling to change their dietary and physical activity habits , were allocated to receive a 4-month treatment with either 1.2 g/day of the dietary supplement or placebo . Patients were followed up until 6 months post-r and omization . Results Four-month treatment with the dietary supplement  decreased FPG compared to placebo ( -0.24±0.50 vs + 0.12±0.59 mmol/L , respectively , p = 0.02 ) , without detectable significant changes in HbA1c . Insulin sensitivity markers , plasma insulin , plasma lipids and inflammatory markers did not differ between the treatment groups . Although there were no significant differences in changes in body weight and energy or macronutrient intakes between the two groups , fat-free mass ( % ) increased with the dietary supplement compared to placebo ( p = 0.02 ) . Subjects with a higher FPG level and a milder inflammatory state at baseline benefited most from the dietary supplement . Conclusions Four-month treatment with a dietary supplement containing cinnamon , chromium and carnosine decreased FPG and increased fat-free mass in overweight or obese pre-diabetic subjects . These beneficial effects might open up new avenues in the prevention of diabetes . Trial Registration Clinical Trials.gov Cinnamomum zeylanicum ( cinnamon ) is a plant with potent antioxidant activity and has been used in traditional medicine for improvement of heart function . The effects of cinnamon bark ethanolic extract were investigated against ischemia-induced arrhythmias and heart injury in an in vivo rat model of regional heart ischemia . The extract was also st and ardized , and its antioxidant activity was evaluated . Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 30 min of ischemia by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by 5 days of reperfusion . Thirty-two animals were r and omized to receive daily oral administration of vehicle or C. zeylanicum bark extract ( intragastric , 50 , 100 , or 200 mg/kg ) 14 days before ischemia . C. zeylanicum was st and ardized through HPLC analysis . Administration of cinnamon bark extract significantly improved ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial injury as evidence d by reduction of the infa rct size . Also , during the ischemic period , ventricular tachycardia and ventricular ectopic beats episodes decreased as compared with that of the control group . The extract stabilized the ST segment changes and QTc shortening , decreased R-wave amplitude , and increased heart rate during ischemia . The extract also caused significant elevations in serum superoxide dismutase and glutation proxidase activities as well as a significant decrease in serum cardiac troponin I , lactate dehydrogenase , and malondialdehyde levels , 5 days after reperfusion . In HPLC analysis , the amounts of Cinamic acid , Methyl eugenol , and Cinnamaldehyde were 8.99 ± 0.5 , 13.02 ± 1.8 , and 14.63 ± 1.1 mg/g , respectively . The results show that the ethanolic extract of cinnamon bark is able to protect the heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury probably due to its antioxidant properties . Hence , it might be beneficial in these patients and this remedy might be used for preparation of new drugs Background : Dark chocolate derived from the plant ( Theobroma cacao ) is a rich source of flavonoids . Cardioprotective effects including antioxidant properties , inhibition of platelet activity , and activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase have been ascribed to the cocoa flavonoids . Objective : To investigate the effects of flavonoid-rich dark chocolate on endothelial function , measures of oxidative stress , blood lipids , and blood pressure in healthy adult subjects . Design : The study was a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled design conducted over a 2 week period in 21 healthy adult subjects . Subjects were r and omly assigned to daily intake of high-flavonoid ( 213 mg procyanidins , 46 mg epicatechin ) or low-flavonoid dark chocolate bars ( 46 g , 1.6 oz ) . Results : High-flavonoid chocolate consumption improved endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation ( FMD ) of the brachial artery ( mean change = 1.3 ± 0.7 % ) as compared to low-flavonoid chocolate consumption ( mean change = −0.96 ± 0.5 % ) ( p = 0.024 ) . No significant differences were noted in the resistance to LDL oxidation , total antioxidant capacity , 8-isoprostanes , blood pressure , lipid parameters , body weight or body mass index ( BMI ) between the two groups . Plasma epicatechin concentrations were markedly increased at 2 weeks in the high-flavonoid group ( 204.4 ± 18.5 nmol/L , p ≤ 0.001 ) but not in the low-flavonoid group ( 17.5 ± 9 nmol/L , p = 0.99 ) . Conclusion : Flavonoid-rich dark chocolate  improves endothelial function and is associated with an increase in plasma epicatechin concentrations in healthy adults . No changes in oxidative stress measures , lipid profiles , blood pressure , body weight or BMI were seen AIM To produce dietetic guidelines summarizing the systematic review evidence on dietary advice for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease . METHODS The Cochrane Library , MEDLINE and EMBASE were comprehensively search ed for systematic review s on aspects of diet and heart health . Review s were included if they search ed systematic ally for r and omised controlled trials relating to diet and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease . Two members of the UK Heart Health and Thoracic Dietitians Group critically appraised each review . The quality and results of each review were discussed and summarized in a whole group meeting . The guidelines were trialled in seven dietetic departments and modified where necessary . RESULTS Providing evidence -based dietary information ( including increasing omega-3 fat plus fruit and vegetable intake ) to all people after myocardial infa rct ion will save more lives than concentrating dietary advice on those in need of weight loss or lipid lowering . The practice of prioritizing dietetic time to those with raised lipids is out of date since the advent of statin therapy . CONCLUSION There is good systematic review evidence that dietary advice to those with cardiovascular disease can reduce mortality and morbidity as well as modify risk factors .  Dietary advice that does this most effectively should be prioritized Cocoa powder is rich in polyphenols , such as catechins and procyanidins , and has been shown in a variety of subject models to inhibit oxidized LDL and atherogenesis . Our study evaluated plasma LDL cholesterol and oxidized LDL concentrations following the intake of different levels of cocoa powder ( 13 , 19.5 , and 26 g/d ) in normocholesterolemic and mildly hypercholesterolemic humans . In this comparative , double-blind study , we examined 160 subjects who ingested either cocoa powder containing low-polyphenolic compounds ( placebo-cocoa group ) or 3 levels of cocoa powder containing high-polyphenolic compounds ( 13 , 19.5 , and 26 g/d for low- , middle- , and high-cocoa groups , respectively ) for 4 wk . The test powders were consumed as a beverage after the addition of hot water , twice each day . Blood sample s were collected at baseline and 4 wk after intake of the test beverages for the measurement of plasma lipids . Plasma oxidized LDL concentrations decreased in the low- , middle- , and high-cocoa groups compared with baseline . A stratified analysis was performed on 131 subjects who had a LDL cholesterol concentrations of > or = 3.23 mmol/L at baseline . In these subjects , plasma LDL cholesterol , oxidized LDL , and apo B concentrations decreased , and the plasma HDL cholesterol concentration increased , relative to baseline in the low- , middle- , and high-cocoa groups . The results suggest that polyphenolic substances derived from cocoa powder may contribute to a reduction in LDL cholesterol , an elevation in HDL cholesterol , and the suppression of oxidized LDL Studies in animals and a short-term human study have suggested that curcumin , a polyphenolic compound concentrated in the curry spice turmeric , decreases serum cholesterol concentration . However , no controlled human trials have examined the effect of curcumin on cholesterol . This study investigated the effects of consuming curcumin on the  serum lipid profile in men and women . Elderly subjects ( n=36 ) consumed 4 g/d curcumin , 1g/d curcumin , or placebo in a 6-month , r and omized , double-blind trial . Plasma curcumin and its metabolites were measured at 1 month , and the serum lipid profile was measured at baseline , 1 month , and 6 months . The plasma curcumin concentration reached a mean of 490 nmol/L. The  curcumin concentration was greater after capsule than powder administration . Consumption of either dose of curcumin did not significantly affect triacylglycerols , or total , LDL , and HDL cholesterol over 1 month or 6 months . However , the concentrations of plasma curcumin and serum cholesterol were positively and significantly correlated . Curcumin consumption does not appear to have a significant effect on the serum lipid profile , unless the absorbed concentration of curcumin is considered , in which case curcumin may modestly increase cholesterol
No statistically significant association was found between blood HDL-C changes and duration of supplementation .
CONCLUSION Cinnamon supplementation significantly reduced blood triglycerides and total cholesterol concentrations without any significant effect on LDL-C and
BACKGROUND Cinnamon is a rich botanical source of polyphenols , whose positive effects on blood lipid concentrations have been hypothesized , but have not been conclusively studied .
OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to systematic ally review and evaluate the effect of administration of cinnamon on blood lipid concentrations .