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 .
Effects of a nutraceutical combination (berberine, red yeast rice and policosanols) on lipid levels and endothelial function randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Some nutraceuticals are prescribed as lipid-lowering substances . However , doubts remain about their efficacy . We evaluated the effects of a nutraceutical combination ( NC ) , consisting of 500 mg berberine , 200 mg red yeast rice and 10 mg policosanols , on cholesterol levels and endothelial function in patients with hypercholesterolemia . METHODS AND RESULTS In this single centre , r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled study , 50 hypercholesterolemic patients ( 26 males and 24 females , mean age 55±7 years , total cholesterol 6.55±0.75 mmol/l , BMI 28±3.5 ) were r and omized to 6 weeks of treatment with a daily oral dose of NC  ( 25 patients ) or placebo  ( 25 patients ) . In a subsequent open-label extension of 4 weeks , the whole sample received NC . The main outcome measure was decrease total cholesterol ( C ) levels in the NC arm . Secondary outcome measures were decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) and triglyceride levels , and improved endothelial-dependent flow-mediated dilation ( FMD ) and insulin sensitivity in relation to NC . Evaluation of absolute changes from baseline showed significant reductions in NC versus placebo for C and LDL-C ( C : -1.14±0.88 and -0.03±0.78 mmol/l , p<0.001 ; LDL-C : -1.06±0.75 and -00.4±0.54 mmol/l , p<0.001 ) , and a significant improvement of FMD ( 3±4 % and 0±3 % respectively , p<0.05 ) . After the extension phase , triglyceride levels decreased significantly from 1.57±0.77 to 1.26±0.63 mmol/l , p<0.05 and insulin sensitivity improved in a patient subgroup with insulin resistance at baseline ( HOMA : from 3.3±0.4 to 2.5±1.3 , p<0.05 ) . No adverse effect was reported . CONCLUSIONS This NC reduces cholesterol levels . The reduction is associated with improved endothelial function and insulin sensitivity
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 .