Nutraceuticals for Cardiometabolic Diseases: Prophylactic and Therapeutic Research

A special issue of Nutraceuticals (ISSN 1661-3821).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 11860

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5158, USA
Interests: cardiovascular diseases; inflammation; circadian rhythms; dietary supplements; nutraceuticals; aging; exercise; preventative medicine
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. A maladaptive diet and lifestyle are key contributors to the development of metabolic risk factors such as obesity as well as high blood pressure, high glucose, and high cholesterol levels, which are associated with the development of cardiometabolic diseases. Although prophylactics and therapeutics are available for prevention and treatment, there is a growing market of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals purporting to be of benefit against cardiometabolic diseases and related risk factors.

Dietary supplements and nutraceuticals are related but distinct nonpharmaceutical products. Nutraceuticals are supplements with purported health benefits that exceed their basic nutritional value. Therefore, the main difference between a nutraceutical and a dietary supplement is that nutraceuticals should not only supplement the diet, but should also contribute to the prophylaxis or treatment of a diseases or disorder. However, defining nutraceuticals is a challenge, so manuscripts describing supplements with potential prophylactic or therapeutic effects are also welcome.

This Special Issue is focused on nutraceuticals and supplements for the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic diseases. Original articles and reviews aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms that underpin the actions of nutraceuticals on cardiometabolic disesases are welcome. These include studies relating to atherosclerosis, inflammation, obesity, immune function, platelet function, cholesterol metabolism, and diabetes. In particular, human studies investigating the efficacy of nutraceuticals as preventative and/or therapeutic agents are welcome. Potential topics include but are not limited to nutraceutical actions in cultured cells, animal models, and human subjects that address aspects such as cellular responses, signal transduction, gene expression, intracellular targets, biomarkers and disease severity, and bioavailability among other topics will be considered. Articles related to nutraceutical development, regulation, and market growth are also welcome.

Dr. Ronan Lordan
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • nutraceuticals
  • supplements
  • natural products
  • cardiovascular diseases
  • atherosclerosis
  • inflammation
  • blood pressure
  • obesity
  • metabolism
  • diabetes
  • oxidative stress
  • nutraceutical regulation
  • nutraceutical markets
  • nutraceutical efficacy
  • nutraceutical safety

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 1047 KiB  
Article
Efficacy and Safety of Monacolin K Combined with Coenzyme Q10, Grape Seed, and Olive Leaf Extracts in Improving Lipid Profile of Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Hypercholesterolemia: A Self-Control Study
by Nicholas Angelopoulos, Rodis D. Paparodis, Ioannis Androulakis, Anastasios Boniakos, Panagiotis Anagnostis, Vasilis Tsimihodimos and Sarantis Livadas
Nutraceuticals 2023, 3(1), 1-12; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals3010001 - 21 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4026
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to assess the lipid-lowering efficacy and safety of a novel dietary supplement containing monacolin K combined with the coenzyme Q10 and grape seed and olive tree leaf extracts (Arichol®®) on the lipid profile of [...] Read more.
The objective of the present study was to assess the lipid-lowering efficacy and safety of a novel dietary supplement containing monacolin K combined with the coenzyme Q10 and grape seed and olive tree leaf extracts (Arichol®®) on the lipid profile of adults with moderate cholesterol elevations and an absence of concomitant risk factors. We recruited patients from our Endocrinology Clinics in Greece who had low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) 140–180 mg/dL, were on no medications affecting serum lipid concentrations, and consented to participate in the present study. All subjects received 8-weeks supplementation with Arichol®® once daily. We measured total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), LDL-C, triglycerides (TG), and liver enzymes with enzymatic colorimetric assays at baseline and at the end of the study, and documented complaints potentially attributable to muscle injury. We recruited a total of 37 subjects, 33 females and 4 males (with a mean age of 55.89 ± 1.50 [mean ± standard error mean, SEM]). The treatment resulted in a statistically significant reduction in TC (from 258.9 ± 4.0 mg/dL to 212.7 ± 4.5 mg/dL, p < 0.001), LDL-C (from 173.8 ± 3.5 to 129.0 ± 4.5 mg/dL, p < 0.001), and TG (from 127.0 ± 12.2 to 117.0 ± 9.2, mg/dL, p = 0.012) concentrations, while HDL-C concentrations remained unchanged. There were no alterations in liver enzymes or symptoms of muscle pain in any subject. These promising results suggest that supplementation with this nutraceutical mixture favorably influences lipid concentrations during a short period of administration while exhibiting an excellent safety profile. Larger controlled studies are required to assess the potential for cardiovascular risk reduction with the above compound. Full article
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Review

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34 pages, 1964 KiB  
Review
Cardio-Protective-Promoting Properties of Functional Foods Inducing HDL-Cholesterol Levels and Functionality
by Athina Velissaridou, Ellie Panoutsopoulou, Vasileios Prokopiou and Alexandros Tsoupras
Nutraceuticals 2024, 4(4), 469-502; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals4040028 - 30 Sep 2024
Viewed by 603
Abstract
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has been proposed to provide cardio-protective properties through the functionality of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant enzymatic machinery. Within this article, the beneficial effects of several functional foods on HDL levels and functionality for cardio-protection are thoroughly reviewed. Emphasis is given [...] Read more.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has been proposed to provide cardio-protective properties through the functionality of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant enzymatic machinery. Within this article, the beneficial effects of several functional foods on HDL levels and functionality for cardio-protection are thoroughly reviewed. Emphasis is given to functional foods and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory health-promoting effects for the cardiovascular system through their benefits on HDL, which act either solely or synergistically as an adjuvant approach with well-established anti-atherogenic therapies. Promising outcomes from both in vitro and in vivo studies in animal models and clinical trials, which outline the beneficial effects of such functional foods on HDL levels and functionality, are thoroughly discussed. The mechanisms of the obtained antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and cardio-protective effects on HDL activities of functional foods containing natural bioactives are also outlined. Limitations and future perspectives on the overall benefits that these natural bioactive compounds exert as important ingredients in functional foods to induce HDL-related benefits and to strengthen cardiovascular health are also discussed. Full article
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23 pages, 826 KiB  
Review
What Is New about Parsley, a Potential Source of Cardioprotective Therapeutic Substances?
by Livia Marques Casanova, Luana Beatriz dos Santos Nascimento and Sônia Soares Costa
Nutraceuticals 2024, 4(1), 104-126; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals4010008 - 28 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2791
Abstract
Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss (Apiaceae), popularly known as parsley, is a ubiquitous aromatic herb used for culinary and medicinal purposes worldwide. In addition to the richness in nutrients, several bioactive secondary metabolites, especially the flavone apigenin and its glycosides, have been described in [...] Read more.
Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss (Apiaceae), popularly known as parsley, is a ubiquitous aromatic herb used for culinary and medicinal purposes worldwide. In addition to the richness in nutrients, several bioactive secondary metabolites, especially the flavone apigenin and its glycosides, have been described in this species. Parsley has already been shown to have several health-promoting activities, such as antithrombotic, antihypertensive, and hypolipidemic properties. The multiple studies conducted in animal models so far suggest this species is a potential source of cardioprotective agents. This review provides up-to-date information and perspectives on the potential of parsley and its bioactive compounds for the development of nutraceutical products and drugs for promoting cardiovascular health. It includes not only a discussion of parsley’s reported bioactivities but also the knowledge of supplements and food additives developed as innovative parsley-based products. Full article
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14 pages, 503 KiB  
Review
Bioactivity of Carrageenans in Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Diseases
by Ana Valado, Maria Pereira, Mónica Amaral, João Cotas and Leonel Pereira
Nutraceuticals 2022, 2(4), 441-454; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals2040032 - 2 Dec 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2883
Abstract
The high incidence of changes in the lipid profile in the world population is supported by the adoption of a lifestyle with numerous risk factors. Dyslipidemia, the main alteration in the lipid profile, is characterized by increased concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), low-density [...] Read more.
The high incidence of changes in the lipid profile in the world population is supported by the adoption of a lifestyle with numerous risk factors. Dyslipidemia, the main alteration in the lipid profile, is characterized by increased concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and decreased concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). These modifications in lipid metabolism are particularities of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and one of the main risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), one of the main causes of death in the world. Macroalgae have a high percentage of dietary fiber, and a low percentage of lipids. Carrageenans, long-chain polysaccharides extracted from red macroalgae, are present in several foods, such as jelly. Chemically, they present several structures with different applications and purposes in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries. The bioactive potential of carrageenans has demonstrated potential in the reduction of the levels of parameters of the lipid profile, being able to be an alternative in the reversion of MetS and, consequently, in the prevention and treatment of CVD. This review article aims to compile, evaluate, and reflect on the effect of carrageenans on lipid profile markers (TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C), relating them to MetS and CVD. Full article
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Bioactivity of carrageenan in metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases

Author: Ana Valado

Abstract: The high incidence of changes in the lipid profile in the world population is supported by the adoption of a lifestyle with numerous risk factors. Dyslipidemia, the main alteration in the lipid profile, is characterized by increased concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). These modifications in lipid metabolism are particularities of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and one of the main risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), one of the main causes of death in the world. Macroalgae are marine photosynthetic organisms, which have a high percentage of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and a low percentage of lipids. Thus, the ingestion of macroalgae or their components constitutes a benefit for human health. Carrageenan (E407), a long-chain polysaccharide extracted from the macroalgae of the phylum Rhodophyta, is present in several foods, such as jelly of vegetable origin. Chemically, it presents several structures with different applications and purposes in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries. According to some investigations, the bioactive potential of carrageenan was demonstrated in the reduction of the levels of parameters of the lipidic profile, being able to be an alternative in the reversion of MetS and, consequently, in the prevention and treatment of CVDs. This review article aims to compile, evaluate, and reflect on the effect of carrageenan on lipid profile markers (TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C), relating them to MetS and CVDs.

Keywords: Carrageenan, dyslipidemia, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, Metabolic Syndrome, CVDs

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