ABSTRACT
Metabolic syndrome is complex of metabolic disorders that correlates with cardiovascular disease. This study aimed at investigating the effect of processed Berberis vulgaris [B.vulgaris] on some metabolic syndrome components. Participants, type2 diabetics, were recruited in a randomized controlled clinical trial [n = 57] and randomly assigned into three groups: 1] processed B.vulgaris [n =19], 2] apple vinegar group [n =19] and 3] control group [n =19]. Height, weight, serum total cholesterol, HDL-, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at baseline and at the end of the 8th week and BMI, total/HDL-cholesterol ratio and insulin resistance were estimated. Processed B.vulgaris group showed no significant effects on BMI, total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose concentrations, whereas LDL-cholesterol concentration [22.48 +/- 35.44mg/dl] and total/HDL-cholesterol ratio [2.56 +/- 4.87] significantly decreased and HDL-cholesterol concentration [12.33 +/- 20.58mg/dl] increased [P < 0.05]. No significant effect on lipid profiles was found in the apple vinegar group. Increased insulin concentration and insulin resistance was observed in all of these groups [P < 0.001], independent of processed B.vulgaris and apple vinegar effects. Findings of the present study showed the beneficial effects of processed B.vulgaris on certain atherosclerosis risk factors