Effects of treatment with monacolin K, berberine and coenzyme Q10 on lipid metabolism in patients with moderate cardiovascular risk.

OBJECTIVE

The use of nutritional supplements to treat hypercholesterolemia is gradually increasing, however further studies on their efficacy and safety are required.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

The present clinical trial included patients with moderate hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular risk who were treated either with a nutraceutical preparation containing 3.75mg of monacolin K, 515mg of berberine and 50mg of coenzyme Q10 per tablet (Lipok®) or with a placebo. The clinical and laboratory variables were analyzed at baseline and at three and six months. None of the patients was diabetic, and none was being treated with lipid-lowering drugs or with any other nutritional supplements affecting lipid metabolism.

RESULTS

In patients of the intervention group and of the placebo group, baseline LDL-C was 134.7mg/dL (14.4) and 138.7mg/dL (15.2), respectively. At three months after treatment start, LDL-C had decreased by 26.1mg/dL (-32.4 to 19.7) and increased by 4.5mg/dL (-1.5 to 10.5) in the respective groups. In the intervention group, a similar decrease in non-HDL-C and total cholesterol was observed, while no significant changes were observed in either group for HDL-C, triglycerides and lipoprotein(a). A good tolerance and safety profile was observed.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the combination of monacolin K, berberine and coenzyme Q10 is effective and safe for treating hypercholesterolemia in patients with a moderate degree of excess LDL-C and cardiovascular risk.