Overweight subjects easily develop alterations of the glucose and lipid metabolism and are exposed to an increased cardiometabolic risk. This condition is potentially reversible through the improvement of dietary and behavioral habits. However, a well-assembled nutraceutical would be a useful tool to better improve the metabolic parameters associated with overweight and insulin resistance.

Researchers sought to evaluate the effect of a combined nutraceutical containing berberine, chlorogenic acid and tocotrienols. They performed a double-blind, crossover designed trial versus placebo in 40 overweight subjects with mixed hyperlipidaemia. Results were published in Nutrition Journal (March online). After the first 8 weeks of treatment (or placebo), patients were asked to observe a 2-week washout period, and they were then assigned to the alternative treatment for a further period of 8 weeks.

Clinical and laboratory data associated with hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance were obtained at baseline, at the end of the first treatment period, after the washout, and again after the second treatment period.

According to study results, both groups experienced a significant improvement of anthropometric and biochemical parameters versus baseline. However, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, GOT and Lipid Accumulation Product decreased more significantly in the nutraceutical group versus placebo.

Researchers concluded this combination seems to improve a large number of metabolic and liver parameters in the short-term in overweight subjects. Further studies are needed to confirm these observations in the middle- and long-term.