Improvement in the metabolic markers of prediabetic subjects due to the partial substitution of Taiken9 rice by RD43 rice in their daily diet: a randomized clinical trial.

Although RD43 rice is characterized by high amounts of undigestible starch, its potential health benefits for prediabetic individuals remain unknown. Thus, the effect of regular consumption of RD43 rice on the glycemic response, body composition, and metabolic markers was investigated in a sample of 34 participants with prediabetes (aged from 32 to 68 years) who were randomly allocated to either the treatment or the control group. The first were required to consume RD43 rice (Glycemic Index [GI] = 78) containing 14.1 g of undigestible starch daily as a substitute for two meals per day while the second were given the Taiken9 rice (GI = 98) for 12 continuous weeks. The evaluations were performed at baseline, at the end of week 6 and 12, and at follow-up conducted two weeks after the intervention had ended. The results obtained at the week 12 assessment clearly showed a significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose, insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR in the group that consumed RD43 rice. In addition, daily ingestion of RD43 rice markedly reduced body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), total fat mass, and waist circumference at both week 6 and 12 compared with the baseline. When compared with the controls, the treatment group also exhibited a significant decrease in fasting plasma insulin and HOMA-IR at week 12. However, no significant inter- or intra-group differences in lipid profiles were detected. These findings suggest that RD43 rice could be a potential staple food with the capacity to improve glycemic control and body composition in prediabetic individuals.

Beneficial effect of Chlorella pyrenoidosa drink on healthy subjects: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over clinical trial.

The current study aims to explore the anti-inflammatory activity of Chlorella pyrenoidosa on RAW 267.4 cells and followed by a cross-over clinical trial in healthy subjects to check the antioxidant and anti-aging properties of Chlorella water extract (CWE). For the clinical trial, 44 healthy subjects were requested to consume 27 ml of either placebo or CWE for 90 days (phase I) and vice-versa manner for 90 days (phase II) with 4 weeks of washout period. The RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with Chlorella display potent anti-inflammatory activity by significantly downregulating (p < .05) the protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Whereas, the subjects supplemented with CWE showed improved (p < .05) antioxidant status (TEAC, SOD, CAT, and DHEAs) and lower (p < .05) oxidative stress/aging markers (TBARS and 8-OHdG) as well as considerably (p < .05) protected liver (by lowering GOT and GPT). Thus, consumption of chlorella could significantly improve the overall health status by suppressing various oxidative stress markers and aging stress markers. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Chlorella is considered as a popular functional food owing to its rich nutrient value and its array of biological activities. Numerous studies indicated that treatment with Chlorella spp. would considerably lower oxidative stress, inflammation, and regulate immune response which might contribute to anti-aging property in various cell and animal models. Based on the above information, we expected that Chlorella would be a better contender for the development of a novel anti-aging agent. Hence, we designed this clinical trial to assess the beneficial effects of Chlorella pyrenoidosa especially anti-aging. In agreement with our hypothesis, our results also showed that subjected supplemented with Chlorella water extract could significantly improve overall health status by suppressing various oxidative stress markers and aging stress markers. Hence, Chlorella could be developed into a novel anti-aging agent. In the future, it can be prescribed with standard anti-aging agents to improve the overall health status of the elderly population. However, large-scale clinical studies are needed to confirm our statements.

Chemopreventive and Chemotherapeutic Effect of Propolis and Its Constituents: A Mini-review.

Propolis is a bee wax rich in various phytocomponents and traditionally used to treat various ailments. Propolis is reported to possess an array of biological properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic as well as cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, renoprotective, and derma protective activities. A plethora of studies confirmed that propolis is effective against various types of cancer including head and neck, lung, liver, brain (glioma), pancreas, kidney, prostate, skin (melanoma), breast, oral, esophagus, gastric, colorectal, and bladder cancers. However, many researchers have demonstrated that propolis displays potent chemoprotective/chemopreventive or anti-cancer activity against only a few types of cancers like oral, gastrointestinal, dermal (melanoma), breast, and prostate cancers. Therefore, this mini-review only summarizes the chemopreventive/chemotherapeutic activities of propolis and its updated underlying mechanisms. Taken together, propolis displays potent chemoprotective or anti-cancer effect due to the presence of various phytocomponents which contribute to pro-apoptotic, cytotoxic, anti-proliferative (cell cycle arrest), anti-metastatic, anti-invasive, anti-angiogenic and anti-genotoxic or anti-mutagenic properties along with antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory functions. Hence, propolis could be used as an adjuvant for treating various cancers along with standard chemotherapeutic drugs. However, many large-scale clinical studies are needed to justify such applications.

Improved bioavailability of EGCG after complexation with royal jelly protein.

This study was designed to check whether complexation of royal jelly (RJ) proteins with green tea extract enriched with EGCG, would enhance the bioavailability on C2BBe1 cells. The total phenolic and EGCG of green tea extract (GTex) as well as the protein level of RJ were measured. The best entrapment efficiency (30.47%) was noted at a 10:4 ratio (RJ:EGCG of GTex) to confirm the maximum EGCG-RJ complexation. Followed by in vitro studies to check the cytotoxicity, morphological changes, EGCG uptake, and TBARS (antioxidant) activity were evaluated on C2BBe1 cells. The EGCG-RJ protein complex showed less toxicity without any morphological changes with better cellular EGCG uptake than GTex or GTex-RJ mixture on CeBBe1 cells. Besides, the EGCG-RJ protein complex display maximum TBARS suppressing activity to showcase better stability. This study infers that complexation of RJ proteins with EGCG (EGCG-RJ protein complex) could significantly improve the bioavailability of EGCG. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: EGCG is the major active component of green tea, which is responsible for various biological functions. Previous studies have indicated that complexation of EGCG with proteins (act as a carrier) could considerably improve the bioavailability of EGCG. Hence, the author speculates that complexation or combination of RJ with green tea (EGCG), might improve the bioavailability as well as enhance its biological properties. The outcome of this cell line study showed that the EGCG-RJ protein complex showed better bioavailability than EGCG or GTex, and thus, indicating that this novel complex can be used in the future for better EGCG bioavailability with improved biological function. However, further studies are needed to confirm the types of interaction and the reason for better bioavailability.

Konjac glucomannan polysaccharide and inulin oligosaccharide enhance the colonic mucosal barrier function and modulate gut-associated lymphoid tissue immunity in C57BL/6J mice.

Both konjac glucomannan (KGM) and inulin oligosaccharide have been shown to improve bowel function, but their effects on the mucosal barrier function and immunity are not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of a low-level supplementation of dietary fibres on the colonic mucosal barrier function, antioxidant enzyme defence and immunity. C57BL/6J mice (6 weeks of age, eight per group) were randomly assigned to consume one of the following diets: control or control diet supplemented with 2 % (w/w) of KGM, inulin oligosaccharide (degree polymerisation = 8) or KGM+inulin (1 %, w/w each (K+I)). Fresh faeces were collected on days 19-21. Mice were killed on day 22 after fasting. Segments of colon tissues were processed for histological procedure and stained for acidic mucins and tight junction protein marker zona occludin-1 (ZO-1). The remaining tissues were processed to determine the gene expression of mucin 2, tight junction proteins, antioxidant enzymes and cytokines. The plasma cytokines were measured. Results indicated that KGM, inulin and K+I significantly increased the mucosal layer thickness, mucin density (granule number/crypt) and gene expression of Muc2 as compared with the control. All fibre treatments increased the gene expressions of ZO-1, occludin, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase π, catalase and IL-10. In addition, all fibre treatments increased faecal butyrate and probiotics, and plasma IL-10 concentrations. In conclusion, supplementation of low-level, 2 % (w/w), of K+I was sufficient to enhance the mucosal barrier function and anti-inflammatory status.

Effect of a balanced nutrition meal replacement diet with altered macromolecular composition along with caloric restriction on body weight control.

The prevalence of obesity and its related metabolic syndrome (MetS) has shown an upsurge in recent years due to modified lifestyle patterns. The present study was designed to investigate the impact of a nutritionally balanced conventional meal replacement diet with modified macromolecular composition (rich in soy/pea protein and soluble fibers) and caloric restriction on Taiwanese obese subjects. Obese subjects (BMI > 27; n = 50, male 23, female 27) were recruited and requested to replace two meals per day (breakfast and lunch or dinner) with the balanced nutritional meal replacement diet (equal to 240 kcal) for 8 weeks with one regular meal and make sure that the daily target calorie limit (caloric restriction) was less than 1500 kcal day-1 for men and 1200 kcal day-1 for women. After eight weeks of intervention with a calorie-restricted balanced partial meal replacement diet, the levels of body weight, body fat, and waist circumference were significantly reduced by 4.1 kg, 2.38%, and 5.06 cm, respectively. The levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) with a significant increase (p < 0.05) in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels after 8 weeks of intervention with the meal replacement diet. Moreover, the levels of insulin, homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), leptin, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and cardiovascular risk factors were significantly attenuated (p < 0.05). To conclude, the present intervention with meal replacement and caloric restriction on obese subjects could concomitantly decrease the body weight and glycemic and cardiovascular risk factors and thereby lower the risk of various metabolic disorders.

Modulatory effects of miracle fruit ethanolic extracts on glucose uptake through the insulin signaling pathway in C2C12 mouse myotubes cells.

Miracle fruit, Synsepalum dulcificum, is commonly known to be an alternative sweetener. It makes sour food taste sweet by affecting the tongue's taste receptors. It also shows beneficial health effects, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperglycemic activities. This study was conducted to investigate the antidiabetic effects of miracle fruit flesh (MF) and seed (MS) ethanolic extracts and the underlying mechanisms. Differentiated C2C12 myotubes were treated with the MF or MS extract (1-1,000 µg/ml) or metformin (1 mM) in the presence or absence of insulin. Compared with metformin, the MF extract significantly increased the intake of 2-(N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1, 3-diazol-4-yl) amino)-2-deoxyglucose (2-NBDG). The MF extract also upregulated insulin receptor, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and glucose transporter 4 expressions. These results reveal the antidiabetic effects of miracle fruit.

Down-regulation of partial substitution for staple food by oat noodles on blood lipid levels: A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial.

This clinical trial was conducted to assess the lipid-lowering activity of oat noodles by replacing partial staple food (wheat or rice noodle) in normal and mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects. Totally 84 healthy and mild hypercholesterolemic subjects were recruited and divided into 2 groups as experimental (oat noodles) and placebo (wheat noodles) and instructed to consume 100 g of oat noodles or wheat noodles (replacing one or two meals/day) for 10 weeks and followed by 2 weeks of follow up (without noodle consumption). Various anthropometric measurements and biochemical analysis were carried out during initial (baseline), 2nd, 6th, 10th and 12th week (follow-up). Consumption of oat noodles by replacing staple food for 10 weeks significantly reduced (**p < 0.01) the levels of total cholesterol (TC; 17.46%) and low-density lipoprotein LDL-c (19.03%) in both healthy and mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects. However, the hypocholesterolemic effect is significantly higher in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects as compared with normal subjects. A pronounced decline (*p < 0.05) in the levels of various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) markers including TC/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios and blood pressure (SBP; 11.09% and DBP; 7.48%) were observed in oat noodles supplemented subjects as equivalence with the placebo group. The partial replacement of staple food with oat noodle could considerably improve the health status of all subjects especially in hypercholesterolemic subjects and thus lower the risk of CVDs.

Beneficial effect of Burdock complex on asymptomatic Helicobacter pylori-infected subjects: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Burdock complex (BC) constitutes of burdock (Arctium lappa), angelica (Angelica sinensis), gromwell (Lithospermum erythrorhizon), and sesame (Sesamum indicum) oil, which are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating various disorders. This study intended to examine the anti-H. pylori activity of BC on AGS cell model as well as in asymptomatic H. pylori-infected subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: AGS cell incubated with H. pylori and treated with BC to evaluate the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC), cell viability (MTT) anti-adhesion activity, and inflammatory markers. In case of clinical trial, H. pylori-positive subjects (urea breath test [UBT] >10%, n = 36) were enrolled and requested to intake BC (n = 19) or placebo (n = 17) for 8 weeks. Antioxidant capacity, total phenol, UBT, inflammatory markers were analyzed at the initial, 4th, 8th, and 10th weeks. Moreover, the endoscopic examination was carried out on baseline and 10th week. RESULTS: In vitro studies showed that BC treatment significantly inhibited (P < .05) the inflammatory markers and adhesion of H. pylori to AGS cell. However, H. pylori-infected subject ingested with BC for 8 weeks significantly decreased (P < .05) the UBT value, inflammatory markers with improved antioxidant activity, and phenolic levels as compared to placebo. Also, consumption of BC considerably healed the ulcer wound. CONCLUSION: Overall, the BC could attenuate H. pylori infection by inhibiting H. pylori adhesion and subsequent inflammatory response on the gastric epithelial cell (AGS) as well as clinically ameliorated UBT, antioxidant capacity, and alleviated inflammation to display its anti-H. pylori activity.

Comparative studies on the hypolipidemic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of catechin-enriched green and oolong tea in a double-blind clinical trial.

This study aimed to compare the beneficial effect of catechin-enriched green tea and oolong tea on mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects. Sixty mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects (180-220 mg dL-1) were enrolled and divided into three groups as catechin-enriched green tea (CEGT), catechin-enriched oolong tea (CEOT) or placebo. The subjects were instructed to drink 2 × 300 mL of CEGT (780.6 mg of catechin), CEOT (640.4 mg of catechin) or placebo beverage for 12 weeks. Drinking CEGT and CEOT significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the body weight, fat, and BMI, lipid peroxidation as well as lipid profile (TC, LDL-c, HDL-c, and TG). Also, intervention with CEGT and CEOT significantly improved (p < 0.05) the oxidative indices (TEAC and GSH) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR). Moreover, ultrasound examination endorsed the hepatoprotective activity of CEGT and CEOT by reverting mild fatty liver to the normal hepatic condition because of antioxidant and hypolipidemic activities. To summarize, both CEGT and CEOT showed similar antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. However, CEOT displayed superior lipid-lowering activity compared to CEGT or placebo, and hence it could be used to amend the wellness condition of mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects.

Efficacy of protein rich pearl powder on antioxidant status in a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Pearl is one of the well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescribed for treating various skin and bone related disorders due to its abundant proteins and mineral contents. The present investigation focused on antioxidation and life span prolonging effects from different extracts of pearl powder. During in vitro studies, various oxidative indices were evaluated, along with lifespan-prolonging effect were checked using wild-type Caenorhabditis elegans. For the clinical trial, 20 healthy middle-aged subjects were recruited and separated into 2 groups as experimental and placebo group, who received 3 g of pearl powder/d (n = 10) and 3 g of placebo/d (n = 10) for 8 weeks, respectively. During the initial, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th weeks the blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. The protein extract of pearl powder recorded maximum (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity (20-68%) as well as efficiently prolonged the life span of C. elegans by 18.87%. Pearl powder supplemented subjects showed a substantial increase (p < 0.05) in total antioxidant capacity from 0.45 to 0.69 mM, total thiols from 0.23 to 0.29 mM, Glutathione content from 5.89 to 9.19 µM, enzymic antioxidant activity (SOD-1248 to 1308; Gpx-30 to 32; GR-2.4 to 2.9) as well as considerably suppressed the lipid peroxidation products from 4.95 to 3.27 µM. The outcome of both in-vitro and in-vivo antioxidant activity inferred that protein extract of pearl powder was a potent antioxidant and thereby prolonged the lifespan of C. elegans. Hence, pearl powder could be recommended for treating various age-related degenerative disorders.

Regulatory efficacy of fermented plant extract on the intestinal microflora and lipid profile in mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals.

In recent years, the use of fermented plant products to protect against various metabolic syndromes has been increasing enormously. The objective of this study was to check the regulatory efficacy of fermented plant extract (FPE) on intestinal microflora, lipid profile, and antioxidant status in mildly hypercholesterolemic volunteers. Forty-four mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals (cholesterol 180-220 mg/dL) were recruited and assigned to two groups: experimental or placebo. Volunteers were requested to drink either 60 mL of FPE or placebo for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measurements were done in the initial, 4th, 8th, and 10th weeks. The anthropometric parameters such as body weight, body fat, and body mass index were markedly lowered (p<0.05) on FPE intervention participants. Moreover, the total antioxidant capacity and total phenolics in plasma were considerably increased along with a reduction (p<0.05) in total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) after FPE supplementation. Participants who drank FPE showed a pronounced increase (p<0.05) in the number of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp., whereas the number of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens (p<0.05) were concomitantly reduced. Furthermore, the lag time of LDL oxidation was substantially ameliorated in FPE-administered group, thus indicating its antioxidative and cardioprotective properties. Treatment with FPE substantially improved the intestinal microflora and thereby positively regulated various physiological functions by lowering the anthropometric parameters, TC, and LDL-c, and remarkably elevated the antioxidant capacity and lag time of LDL oxidation. Therefore, we recommended FPE beverage for combating hypercholesterolemia.

Triterpenoids and polysaccharide peptides-enriched Ganoderma lucidum: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its antioxidation and hepatoprotective efficacy in healthy volunteers.

CONTEXT: Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss: Fr) Karst. (Polyporaceae) is an oriental medicinal fungus, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating various condition or diseases such as hypertension, hyperglycaemia, hepatitis and cancer. OBJECTIVE: The current study examines whether triterpenoids and polysaccharide-enriched G. lucidum (GL) influence antioxidation and hepatoprotective efficacy by suppressing oxidative stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two healthy subjects (22 male and 20 female) were recruited and segregated into two groups as experimental or placebo and requested to intake GL (n = 21) or placebo (n = 21) capsule (225 mg; after lunch or dinner) for six consecutive months and vice versa with one month washout period in between. The anthropometric analysis and biochemical assays, as well as abdominal ultrasonic examination were performed. RESULTS: Consumption of GL substantially improved (p < 0.05) the total antioxidant capacity (TEAC; 79.33-84.04), total thiols and glutathione content (6-8.05) in plasma as well as significant (p < 0.05) enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Whereas, the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS; 3.37-2.47), 8-hydroxy-deoxy-guanosine (8-OH-dG; 15.99-11.98) and hepatic marker enzymes (glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase; GOT and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase; GPT) were concomitantly reduced (42 and 27%) on treatment with GL. Furthermore, the abdominal ultrasonic examination in GL subjects displayed a notable alteration on hepatic condition by reversing from mild fatty liver condition (initial) to normal condition. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The outcome of the present intervention demonstrated the antioxidation, anti-aging and hepatoprotective nature of GL by effectively curbing oxidative stress.

Regulatory/modulatory effect of prune essence concentrate on intestinal function and blood lipids.

CONTEXT: Prunus domestica Linn (Rosaceae) has been considered a functional food, owing to its various pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and anticancer. OBJECTIVE: This placebo-controlled, randomized study was framed to check the beneficial activity of prune essence concentrates (PEC) in corroboration with intestinal function and lipid profile in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty healthy mild hypercholesterolemic subjects were randomly chosen and segregated into three groups as placebo (consume 50 mL of simulated prune drink), PEC I (consume 50 mL of PEC/day) and PEC II (consume 100 mL of PEC/day) for 4 weeks with 2 weeks of follow-up without PEC consumption. RESULTS: Intake of PEC (I and II) for 4 weeks substantially ameliorated (p < 0.05) the colony number of Bifidobacterium spp. (1.18- and 1.19-fold) and Lactobacillus spp. (1.07- and 1.16-fold), but markedly lowered (p < 0.05) the colony number of Clostridium perfringens (5.97 and 8.35%) and Escherichia coli (6.25 and 9.38%). Meanwhile, the total cholesterol (TC; 5.90 and 6.99%) levels and LDL-c (6.68 and 6.53%) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05), but no change in other lipid parameters. Whereas, the antioxidant capacity was also concomitantly elevated (p < 0.05) upon administration with PEC. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Overall, the results suggest that the use of PEC may positively regulate the intestinal microflora and thereby effectively lower the TC levels and thus act as a hypocholesterolemic agent.

Photoprotective effects of cranberry juice and its various fractions against blue light-induced impairment in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

CONTEXT: Cranberry has numerous biological activities, including antioxidation, anticancer, cardioprotection, as well as treatment of urinary tract infection (UTI), attributed to abundant phenolic contents. OBJECTIVE: The current study focused on the effect of cranberry juice (CJ) on blue light exposed human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells which mimic age-related macular degeneration (AMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preliminary phytochemical and HPLC analysis, as well as total antioxidant capacity and scavenging activity of cranberry ethyl acetate extract and different CJ fractions (condensed tannins containing fraction), were evaluated. In cell line model, ARPE-19 were irradiated with blue light at 450 nm wavelength for 10 h (mimic AMD) and treated with different fractions of CJ extract at different doses (5-50 µg/mL) by assessing the cell viability or proliferation rate using MTT assay (repairing efficacy). RESULTS: Phytochemical and HPLC analysis reveals the presence of several phenolic compounds (flavonoids, proanthocyanidin, quercetin) in ethyl acetate extract and different fractions of CJ. However, the condensed tannin containing fraction of ethyl acetate extract of CJ displayed the greater (p < 0.05) scavenging activity especially at the dose of 1 mg/mL. Similarly, the condensed tannin containing fraction at 50 µg/mL presented better (p < 0.05) repairing ability (increased cell viability). Furthermore, the oligomeric condensed tannin containing fraction display the best (p < 0.05) repairing efficiency at 50 µg/mL. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study distinctly proved that condensed tannin containing fraction of CJ probably exhibits better free radicals scavenging activity and thereby effectively protected the ARPE-19 cells and thus, hampers the progress of AMD.

Hypocholesterolemic efficacy of royal jelly in healthy mild hypercholesterolemic adults.

CONTEXT: Royal jelly (RJ) has been reported for its health promoting factors such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and lipid lowering activities. OBJECTIVE: The present randomized, placebo-controlled study examines the hypolipidemic beneficial effect of RJ through evaluating anthropometric measurements, lipid profile and various hormone levels in mildly hypercholesterolemic participants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty subjects with mild hypercholesterolemia (180-200 mg/dL) were randomly selected and divided into two groups as experimental or placebo, who requested to intake nine capsules (350 mg/capsule) of RJ or placebo/day, respectively, for three months with one month of follow-up without any supplementation. RESULTS: No significant changes were noted in any of the anthropometric parameters like body weight, waist and body fat. The serum total cholesterol (TC; 207.05-183.15 mg/dL) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c; 126.44-120.31 mg/dL) levels were reduced significantly (p < 0.05) after administration of RJ. However, triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels were not considerably altered. Moreover, three months of RJ consumption significantly ameliorated (p < 0.05) the concentration of sex hormones like dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S; 1788.09-1992.31 ng/mL). Also, intake of RJ did not elicit any hepatic or renal damage. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Intervention with RJ for three months considerably lowered the TC and LDL-c levels through improving the levels of DHEA-S and thus alleviates the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).