A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Bioactive Compounds in Cardiovascular Disease: Carbohydrates, Active Lipids and Nitrogen Compounds.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS:

The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is rising and it is the prime cause of death in all developed countries. Bioactive compounds (BACs) can play a role in CVD prevention and treatment. To examine the scientific evidence supporting BACs groups' efficacy in CVD prevention and treatment, we conducted a systematized review.

METHODS:

All available information on Medline, LILACS and EMBASE; all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with prospective, parallel or crossover designs in humans in which the BACs effect was compared with that of placebo/control. Vascular homeostasis, blood pressure, endothelial function, oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers were considered primary outcomes.

RESULTS:

We selected 26 articles, verifying their quality based on the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, establishing diverse quality levels of scientific evidence according to the design and bias risk of a study. Grades of recommendation were included, depending on the evidence strength of antecedents.

CONCLUSIONS:

Evidence shows that certain BACs' derivative from active lipids and nitrogen compounds, mainly from horse chestnut seed extract, sterol plants, allium derivatives, and certain doses of beta-glucans, can be helpful in decreasing the prevalence of CVD risk factors. However, further rigorous evidence is necessary to support and prove BACs' effect on CVD prevention and treatment.

• Authors: Belen Pastor-Villaescusa, Oscar D Rangel-Huerta, Concepcion M Aguilera, Angel Gil
• Journal: Annals of nutrition & metabolism (Ann Nutr Metab) Vol. 66 Issue 2-3 Pg. 168-181 ( 2015) ISSN: 1421-9697 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 26045206 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review, Systematic Review)
• Copyright: © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Chemical References

• Dietary Carbohydrates
• Dietary Fiber
• Flavonoids
• Nitrogen Compounds
• Phytochemicals
• Phytosterols
• Polysaccharides
• Sulfur Compounds
• beta-Glucans

Topics

• Cardiovascular Diseases (prevention & control)
• Diet
• Dietary Carbohydrates (administration & dosage)
• Dietary Fiber (administration & dosage)
• Flavonoids (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• MEDLINE
• Nitrogen Compounds (administration & dosage)
• Phytochemicals (administration & dosage)
• Phytosterols (administration & dosage)
• Polysaccharides (administration & dosage)
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Sulfur Compounds (administration & dosage)
• beta-Glucans (administration & dosage)