Clinical Trials of Two Helichrysum Infusions in Adults (SMILJ)

Comparison of Helichrysum Italicum Infusion and Helichrysum Arenarium Infusion Effects on the Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Adults

The study evaluates the effects of Helichrysum italicum and Helichrysum Arenarium on different components of the metabolic syndrome. The components of metabolic syndrome will be measured at baseline and four weeks after daily consumptions of either Helichrysum italicum or either Helichrysum Arenarium, and after two weeks of washout. In addition, stool samples will be also taken at baseline and after four weeks of daily consumtion of either Helichrysum italicum or either Helichrysum Arenarium.

Helichrysum arenarium (HA) has a long tradition in European ethno-medicine as a medicinal plant with many known activities; EU monograph supports its use for the digestive disorders, feeling of fullness and bloating, and, importantly, it re-ports no side effects. Assessment report of the European Medicines Agency Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products supports its stimulatory role in the bile flow and in the release of cholesterol to the bile. HA has also been used in chronic liver inflammatory disease and as a scavenger of free radicals. Similar to HA Helichrysum italicum (HI) is widely used in traditional medicine. Lately, much attention has been given to natural antioxidants and their ability to delay the progression of chronic diseases related to the formation and the activity of reactive oxygen species and other free radicals. Herbs are very often used to prepare recreational tea and are thereby important sources of antioxidants in different cultures. In traditional medicine, HI is also used in diet, mainly for the preparation of infusions in treating respiratory and digestive conditions. Therefore,the ail of our study is to evaluate the effects of Helichrysum italicum and Helichrysum Arenarium on different components of the metabolic syndrome in adults presenting at least two components of metabolic syndrome and yet not receiving any medication. The components of metabolic syndrome (lipid profile, blood pressure, antrophometry, inflammation status, glucose levels) will be measured at baseline and four weeks after daily consumptions of either Helichrysum italicum or either Helichrysum Arenarium, and after two weeks of washout. In addition, stool samples will be also taken at baseline and after four weeks of daily consumtion of either Helichrysum italicum or either Helichrysum Arenarium.

Hypertension, Hyperlipidemias, Inflammation, Hyperglycemia, Hypercholesterolemia, Microbial Colonization, Overweight and Obesity

1 g of milled plant material (Helichrysum italicum) immersed in hot water (200 mL, 100 °C) for 10minutes

1 g of milled plant material (Helichrysum arenarium) immersed in hot water (200 mL, 100 °C) for 10minutes

Comparison of metabolic syndrome components before and after four weeks of daily consumption of Helichrysum italicum infusion.

Comparison of metabolic syndrome components before and after four weeks of daily consumption of Helichrysum arenarium infusion.

Changes in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triacylglycerides will be examined with biochemical analyzer Cobass

Changes in body weight (in kilograms) will be examined with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) Tanita MC-980MA (Maeno-cho, Japan) and dedicated software (GMON Pro-Tanita).

Changes in visceral fat rating will be examined with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) Tanita MC-980MA (Maeno-cho, Japan) and dedicated software (GMON Pro-Tanita).

Changes in fat (percentage of body fat) will be examined with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) Tanita MC-980MA (Maeno-cho, Japan) and dedicated software (GMON Pro-Tanita).

Inclusion Criteria: stable weight in the last 3 months BMI more than 25 clinical diagnosis of at least two components of metabolic syndrome, Exclusion Criteria: consumption of dietary supplements medications for any component of metabolic syndrome

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Kramberger K, Jenko Praznikar Z, Baruca Arbeiter A, Petelin A, Bandelj D, Kenig S. A Comparative Study of the Antioxidative Effects of Helichrysum italicum and Helichrysum arenarium Infusions. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021 Mar 3;10(3):380. doi: 10.3390/antiox10030380.