NComb-induced amelioration of lipid profile was not affected by duration of supplementation nor by baseline lipid levels ; conversely , a greater glucose-lowering effect of NComb was found with higher baseline glucose levels and longer duration s of supplementation .
In conclusion , the present results suggest that NComb supplementation is associated with improvement of lipid and glucose profile .
Short-term beneficial effects of NComb supplementation appear to be maintained in the long term
Dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia are associated with an increased risk of  ischemic cardiovascular disease .
Positive effects of a nutraceutical combination comprising red yeast rice , berberine , policosanol , astaxanthin , coenzyme Q10 and folic acid ( NComb ) on plasma lipid and glucose levels have been reported in some but not all clinical trials .
To address this inconsistency , we tried to estimate the size of lipid- and glucose-lowering effects of NComb through a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled trials .
Positive Effects of Astaxanthin on Lipid Profiles and Oxidative Stress in Overweight Subjects
Astaxanthin , a carotenoid , has antioxidant activity as well as many positive effects , such as anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects . We performed a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled study to investigate the effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight and obese adults in Korea . In total , 27 subjects with body mass index > 25.0 kg/m2 were enrolled and r and omly assigned into two groups administered astaxanthin or placebo capsules for 12 weeks . Total cholesterol , triglycerides , high density lipoprotein ( HDL ) cholesterol , low density lipoprotein ( LDL ) cholesterol , apolipoprotein A1 ( ApoA1 ) , and apolipoprotein B ( ApoB ) were measured before and after intervention . Malondialdehyde ( MDA ) , isoprostane ( ISP ) , superoxide dismutase ( SOD ) , and total antioxidant capacity ( TAC ) , as oxidative stress biomarkers , were measured at baseline and at 4 , 8 , and 12 weeks after intervention . LDL cholesterol and ApoB were significantly lower after treatment with astaxanthin , compared with the start of administration , whereas none of the lipid profiles was changed in the placebo group . At the baseline , all four biomarkers were not significantly different between the two groups . Compared with the placebo group , MDA and ISP were significantly lower , but TAC was significantly higher in the astaxanthin group at 12 weeks . These results suggest that supplementary astaxanthin has positive effects by improving the LDL cholesterol , ApoB , and oxidative stress biomarkers
NComb-induced amelioration of lipid profile was not affected by duration of supplementation nor by baseline lipid levels ; conversely , a greater glucose-lowering effect of NComb was found with higher baseline glucose levels and longer duration s of supplementation .
In conclusion , the present results suggest that NComb supplementation is associated with improvement of lipid and glucose profile .
Short-term beneficial effects of NComb supplementation appear to be maintained in the long term
Dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia are associated with an increased risk of  ischemic cardiovascular disease .
Positive effects of a nutraceutical combination comprising red yeast rice , berberine , policosanol , astaxanthin , coenzyme Q10 and folic acid ( NComb ) on plasma lipid and glucose levels have been reported in some but not all clinical trials .
To address this inconsistency , we tried to estimate the size of lipid- and glucose-lowering effects of NComb through a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled trials .