Oligonol Supplementation Decreases Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, and the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in a Sample of Overweight and Obese Saudi Females

Aims: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the primary cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with metabolic syndrome (MS) increasing their risk. We aimed to investigate the effects of oligonol on cardiometabolic risk factors in healthy overweight and obese Saudi females.

Study Design: A double blind case/control design.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out during December 2015 to June 2016 in the Food, Nutrition and life style research unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre.

Subjects and Methods: A double blind case/control design was employed. 60 young, apparently healthy overweight and obese females were enrolled, and divided randomly into two groups to take either Oligonol or placebo for 12 weeks without dietary or lifestyle restrictions. Weight, height, waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure were measured and fasting blood samples taken before, and after supplement. Glucose, lipid profile, Apolipoprotein B, Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured, and Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) calculated in all blood samples. Obtained data was used to diagnose MS.

Results: 25 subjects in placebo group and 22 in Oligonol group completed the study. No adverse effects were noted. Oligonol improved mean triglycerides, AIP, and hs-CRP, and decreased the number of subjects with high triglycerides, diastolic blood pressure, and WC, hence MS.

Conclusion: Oligonol appears to decrease the risk of CVD in obese and overweight Saudi females by controlling or decreasing components of the metabolic syndrome, hs-CRP, and AIP.