Carob pulp preparation for treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Abstract

The lipid-lowering effect of a carob pulp preparation rich in insoluble dietary fiber and polyphenols was investigated in a noncomparative, open-label pilot study. Over 8 weeks, 47 volunteers with moderate hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol 232-302 mg/dL) consumed 15 g of carob per day in three products (breakfast cereal, fruit muesli bar, powdered drink) as a supplement to their regular diet. After 4 weeks, reductions of 7.1% in mean total cholesterol and 10.6% in LDL cholesterol were noted; respective decreases after 6 weeks were 7.8% and 12.2% (all P<.001). HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels remained unchanged. Overall compliance was good. Only 3 volunteers (6%) reported a sensation of fullness, which led to 2 of the 3 dropouts. The carob preparation may have value in the dietary treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

• Authors: H J Zunft, W Lüder, A Harde, B Haber, H J Graubaum, J Gruenwald
• Journal: Advances in therapy (Adv Ther) 2001 Sep-Oct Vol. 18 Issue 5 Pg. 230-6 ISSN: 0741-238X [Print] United States
• PMID: 11783460 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anticholesteremic Agents
• Cholesterol, HDL
• Cholesterol, LDL
• Galactans
• Lipids
• Mannans
• Plant Extracts
• Plant Gums
• Polysaccharides
• Triglycerides
• locust bean gum

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Anticholesteremic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Cholesterol, HDL (blood)
• Cholesterol, LDL (blood)
• Female
• Galactans
• Humans
• Hypercholesterolemia (blood, drug therapy)
• Lipids (blood)
• Male
• Mannans
• Middle Aged
• Pilot Projects
• Plant Extracts (therapeutic use)
• Plant Gums
• Polysaccharides (therapeutic use)
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome
• Triglycerides (blood)