Hydroxycut, an herbal supplement not currently defined as a
drug, is frequently sold over the counter to increase exercise performance, build muscles, and
burn fat. The effects of 8 wk of
hydroxycut-induced changes on blood
lipid profile in rats fed with either regular or high-fat diet were evaluated. Regardless of fat content in the diet, the doses of
hydroxycut used significantly decreased fasting serum concentrations of
cholesterol,
triacylglycerol (TAG),
low-density lipoprotein (
LDL) cholesterol, total
apolipoprotein B (
apo B), and
LDL/
high-density lipoprotein (
HDL) cholesterol ratio. A significant increase in serum blood
glucose level was observed with
hydroxycut intake in the presence of a high-fat diet. No
hydroxycut-related changes in serum activities of serum
glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (
SGOT), serum
glutamate pyruvate dehydrogenase (
SGPT),
lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and
creatinine phosphokinase (CPK)
enzymes were noted, indicating no liver damage occurred. A decrease in liver fat content was observed with
hydroxycut intake. The
drug did not affect the number and composition of secreted
very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles except for a decrease in VLDL TAG when the fat content in the diet was high.
Hydroxycut reduced significantly
LDL apo B and
LDL TAG and
cholesterol concentrations.
Hydroxycut increased TAG and
cholesterol excretion in feces. A single intragastric food load containing
hydroxycut reduced significantly postprandial plasma TAG concentration in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion,
hydroxycut intake in recommended doses exerts a beneficial impact on
atherosclerosis, an effect attributed to improved clearance and metabolism of
lipoprotein particles, and to a lesser extent to an increased excretion of TAG and
cholesterol in the feces. More studies are needed to ensure the safety of long-term use of
hydroxycut.