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Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 79 No. 4 December 2013, Spl. Issue, Part B, pp. 985-996 Printed in India. Review Article Cardioprotective Effect of Nutraceuticals — The Emerging Evidences M CHOUDHARY* and V TOMER* *Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Home Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141 004, India (Received 01 May 2013; Revised 03 October 2013; Accepted 17 October 2013) Nutraceuticals are medicinal foods that play a role in maintaining well being, enhancing health, modulating immunity and thereby preventing as well as treating specific diseases. Thus the field of nutraceuticals can be envisioned as one of the missing blocks in the health benefit of an individual. More than any other disease, the etiology of cardiovascular disease reveals many risk factors that are amenable to nutraceutical intervention. Nutraceuticals hold promise in clinical therapy as they have the potential to significantly reduce the risk of side effects associated with chemotherapy along with reducing the global health care cost. In whole, nutraceutical has led to the new era of medicine and health, in which the food industry has become a research oriented sector. In this review, an attempt has been made to summarize some of the recent research findings on nutraceuticals that have beneficial effects on the heart and have cardioprotective effects. Key Words: Cardiovascular Diseases; Plant Fibers; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; Soy Protein 1. Introduction Nutrition is a fundamental need. Various risk factors related to health result from an imbalance in nutrition (Kota et al. 2013). Together, these factors contribute to more than 40 percent of deaths and 30 percent of the overall disease burden in developing countries. The nature of India’s nutrition concerns are three folds — on one hand is the undernourished population (380 million) with majority having inadequate purchasing power to even consume a diet sufficient in calories, let alone take sufficient nutrients (Ramaraj and Chellappa 2008). On the other hand is the huge population (570 million) that is nourished in calorie intake but not in terms of nutrient intake. This segment would typically include lower middle to upper class population with sufficient purchasing power but probably low awareness about their nutrient requirements, leading to unmet condition specific needs in addition to foundation needs. In fact, there are 340 million in our population (30% in urban and 34% in rural areas) who consume more than recommended number of calories with higher than recommended levels of dietary fats and could be the largest contributor in making India the future cardiovascular and diabetes capital of the world (Vaidya and Devasagayam 2007). The third population segment (80 million) is one which consumes nutrients and calories more than the norm due to their enhanced physical requirement because of their chosen lifestyles and interest areas (Misra and Khurana 2008, Van Gaal et al. 2006). Many of the factors affecting nutrition related concerns are irreversible that have led to natural sources of nutrients being consumed in insufficient quantities. Hence, the requirement of external intervention, that can supplement diet to help prevent nutrition-related disorders and promote wellness over treatment of illness, has become critical. Such products are collectively called as “nutraceuticals” (Rajasekaran et al. 2008). With the ever increasing *Authors for Correspondence: E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] M Choudhary and V Tomer 986 epidemic of obesity, diabetes and hypertension among young adults, the risk of mortality and morbidity due to cardiovascular disease is gradually increasing. Nutraceutical supplements can provide valid alternate to patients who are intolerant to statins or patients preferring alternative treatments (Ramaraj and Chellappa 2008, Misra and Khurana 2008). The combination of a lipid lowering diet and scientifically proven nutraceutical supplements can significantly reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, increase LDL particle size, decreased LDL particle number decreased triglycerides and increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) particles. In addition, they address lipid induced vascular damage by suppressing inflammation, oxidative stress and immune response leading to additional anti-hypertension, anti-diabetic properties (Kota et al. 2013). So, the present article is an attempt to review the evidence in support of different nutraceuticals and their cardioprotective effects. 2. Current Scenario of Cardiovascular Diseases Cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to atherosclerosis is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world. According to World Health Organization, an estimated 17.3 million people died from CVDs in 2008, representing 30 percent of all global deaths. Of these deaths, an estimated 7.3 million were due to coronary heart disease and 6.2 million were due to stroke. Over 80 percent of CVD deaths take place in low- and middle-income countries. It is projected that almost 23.6 million people will die from CVDs by 2030 (WHO 2012). Cardiovascular diseases have assumed epidemic proportions in India as well. Rapid westernization in India has ignited a rapid escalation of lifestyle related diseases, making the country the global capital for diabetes and heart disease. The Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) study reported the estimated mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) in India at 1.6 million in the year 2000. A total of nearly 64 million cases of CVD are likely in the year 2015, of which nearly 61 million would be CHD cases (the remaining would include stroke, rheumatic heart disease and congenital heart diseases). Deaths from this group of diseases are likely to amount to be a staggering 3.4 million. Coronary heart disease is more prevalent in Indian urban populations and there is a clear declining gradient in its prevalence from semi-urban to rural populations. Epidemiological studies show a sizeable burden of CHD in adult rural (3-5%) and urban (7-10%) populations. Thus, of the 30 million patients with CHD in India, there would be 14 million of them are in urban and 16 million in rural areas. In India about 50 per cent of CHD-related deaths occur in people younger than 70 years compared with only 22 per cent in the West. Extrapolation of these numbers estimates the burden of CHD in India to be more than 32 million patients (Shah and Mathur 2010). 3. Nutraceuticals About 2000 years ago, Hippocrates correctly emphasized “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food”. Currently there is an increased global interest due to the recognition that “nutraceuticals” play a major role in health enhancement. The term “Nutraceutical” was coined by combining the terms “Nutrition” and “Pharmaceutical” in 1989 by Dr Stephen DeFelice, Chairman of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine (Ghodake et al. 2011) “Nutraceutical” is a marketing term developed for nutritional supplement that is sold with the intent to treat or prevent disease and thus has no regulatory definition (Brower 1998). Hence a “nutraceutical” is any substance that may be considered a food or part of a food and provides medical or health benefits, encompassing, prevention and treatment of diseases. Such products may range from isolated nutrients, dietary supplements and diets to genetically engineered “designer” foods, herbal products and processed foods such as cereals, soups and beverages. Presently over 470 nutraceutical and functional food products are available with documented health benefits (Zeisel 1999). 4. Current Status of Nutraceuticals in CVD Majority of the CVD are preventable and controllable. It was reported that low intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with a high mortality in Cardioprotective Effect of Nutraceuticals — The Emerging Evidences cardiovascular disease (Moller and Kaufman 2005, Zimmet et al 2005). Many research studies have identified a protective role for a diet rich in fruits and vegetables against CVD (Ramaraj and Chellappa 2008). This apart, nutraceuticals in the form of antioxidants, dietary fibers, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), vitamins, and minerals are recommended together with physical exercise for prevention and treatment of CVD. The role of various nutraceuticals in preventing CVD has been discussed below: 4.1 Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a potent lipid phase antioxidant, free radical scavenger, co-factor and coenzyme in mitochondrial energy production and oxidative phosphorylation that regenerates vitamins E, C, and A, inhibits oxidation of LDL, membrane phospholipids, DNA, mitochondrial proteins, lipids, reduces total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG), raises HDL-C, improves insulin sensitivity, reduces fasting, random and postprandial glucose, lowers BP and protects the myocardium from ischemic reperfusion injury (Digiesi et al. 1990, Digiesi et al. 1992, Morisco et al. 1993, Yokoyama et al. 1996, Kontush et al. 1997, Langsjoen and Langsjoen 1999, Singh et al. 1999). Serum levels of CoQ10 decrease with age and are lower in patients with diseases characterized by oxidative stress such as hypertension, CHD, hyperlipidemia, DM, atherosclerosis, and in those who are involved in aerobic training, patients on total parenteral nutrition (TPN), those with hyperthyroidism and patients who take statin drugs (Digiesi et al. 1990, Kontush et al. 1997). There is a high correlation of CoQ10 deficiency and hypertension. Enzymatic assays showed a deficiency of CoQ10 in 39 percent of 59 patients with essential hypertension versus only 6 percent deficiency in controls (p < 0.01). Most foods contain minimal CoQ10, which is primarily found in meat and seafood. Supplements are needed to maintain normal serum levels in many of these disease states and in some patients taking statin drugs for hyperlipidemia (Enster and Dallner 1995). Hydroxymethylglutaryl 987 coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins), first-line agents for lowering cholesterol levels to prevent cardiovascular disease, are some of the most commonly prescribed medications (Sewright et al. 2007, Radcliffe and Campbell 2008). However, statin therapy carries a risk of myopathy, which can range from muscle aches to rhabdomyolysis (Sewright et al. 2007, Radcliffe and Campbell 2008). Statins inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol by reducing the production of mevalonate, a precursor of both cholesterol and CoQ10. Since both cholesterol and CoQ10 are produced by the same pathway, it is not surprising that statins have been reported to reduce serum and muscle CoQ10 levels (Lamperti et al. 2005, Päivä et al. 2005). Nonetheless, researchers have also hypothesized that a reduction in CoQ10 levels in muscle tissue causes mitochondrial dysfunction, which could increase the risk of statininduced myopathy (Young et al. 2007), and some believe that treatment with CoQ10 may reduce myalgic symptoms and allow patients to remain on statin therapy (Radcliffe and Campbell 2008). Researchers have investigated the potential of CoQ10 supplementation to reduce or prevent statininduced myopathy. Caso et al. (2007) performed a small pilot study in 32 patients to determine if CoQ10 supplementation would improve myalgic symptoms in patients treated with statins. In this double-blind, randomized trial, patients received either CoQ10 100 mg/day or vitamin E 400 IU/day for 30 days. The statins were atorvastatin (Lipitor) 10 mg or 20 mg, lovastatin 40 mg, pravastatin 40 mg, and simvastatin 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg. After 30 days of treatment with CoQ10, the pain intensity had decreased significantly from baseline (P < .001). In contrast, no change in pain intensity from baseline was noted in patients receiving vitamin E. Also, the interference of pain with daily activities significantly improved with CoQ10 (P < .02), whereas vitamin E did not have a significant impact on this. Similarly, Littlefield et al. (2013) also concluded that CoQ10 supplementation at a dose of between 30 and 200 mg daily might benefit those patients suffering from statin-induced myopathy with no noted side effects. In contrast, a recent study found no significant effects M Choudhary and V Tomer 988 on statin-induced myopathy in patients supplemented with 400 mg Q10 and 200 ìg selenium per day for 12 weeks as compared to control group (Bogsrud et al. 2013). Coenzyme Q10 has also been postulated to improve functional status in congestive heart failure (CHF). Several randomized controlled trials have examined the effects of CoQ10 on CHF with inconclusive results (Soja and Mortensen 1997, Fotino et al. 2013, Stocker and Macdonald 2013). Morisco et al. 1993 studied the influence of CoQ10 long-term treatment on patients with chronic CHF (New York Heart Association functional class III and IV) receiving conventional treatment for heart failure. They were randomly assigned to receive either placebo (n = 322, mean age 67 years, range 30-88 years) or CoQ10 (n = 319, mean age 67 years, range 26-89 years) at the dosage of 2 mg/kg per day in a 1year double-blind trial. The results demonstrated that the addition of CoQ10 to conventional therapy significantly reduced hospitalization for worsening of heart failure and the incidence of serious complications in patients with chronic CHF. Similarly, Fotino et al. (2013) also found that supplementation with CoQ10 at a dose = 100 mg per day resulted in a net change of 3.67 percent in the ejection fraction (EF) and -0.30 New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification in patients with CHF. 4.2 Curcumin It is the bioactive component of tumeric (Curcuma longa). Curcumin exhibits anticarcinogenic, antiinflammatory, antioxidative, antiinfectious, hypoglycemic, and hypocholesterolemic activities as well as activities blocking TNF, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and epithelial growth factor (EGF) (Olszanecki et al. 2005). Curcumin increases the LDL receptor, slightly increases HMG-CoA reductase, and farnesyl diphosphate synthatase; increases SREBP genes and downregulates peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR), CD 36 FA translocase, and FA binding protein 1 and stimulates hepatic cholesterol-7 -hydroxylase, which increases the rate of cholesterol catabolism, liver X receptor (LXR) expression (Peschel et al. 2007). Curcumin increases hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPX) leading to reduced oxidation of LDL-C. Curcumin may aggravate bleeding in patients taking anticoagulants. Curcumin has protective effect against alcohol and PUFA induced hyperlipidemia. A significant decrease in serum lipid peroxides (33%), increase in HDLC (29%), and decrease in total serum cholesterol (11.6%) were noted (Soni and Kuttan 1992). It is recommended that patients consume about 500 mg of high quality curcumin (turmeric extracts) per day. 4.3 Flavonoids Recent interest in phenolic compounds in general, and flavonoids in particular, has increased greatly owing to their antioxidant capacity and their possible beneficial implications in human health (Schroeter et al. 2002). These include the treatment and prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease and other pathological disorders (Rice-Evans 2001). Flavonoids block the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) that raises blood pressure; by blocking the “suicide” enzyme cyclooxygenase that breaks down prostaglandins, they prevent platelet stickiness and hence platelet aggregation. Flavonoids also protect the vascular system and strengthen the tiny capillaries that carry oxygen and essential nutrients to all cells. Flavonoids are widely distributed in onion, endives, cruciferous vegetables, black grapes, red wine, grapefruits, apples, cherries and berries (Hollman et al. 1996). Flavanoids in plants available as flavones (containing the flavonoid apigenin found in chamomile); flavanones (hesperidin-citrus fruits; silybin-milk thistle flavonols (tea: quercetin, kaempferol and rutin grapefruit; rutinbuckwheat; ginkgo flavonglycosides - ginkgo), (Majoa 2005) play a major role in curing the cardiovascular diseases (Cook and Samman 1996, Hollman et al. 1999). A recent study by Davison et al. (2008), investigated the effects of cocoa flavanols and regular exercise in overweight and obese adults. They showed that, compared to low-flavanol, high-flavanol cocoa acutely increased flow mediated dilation (FMD) by 2.4% (P < 0.01) and chronically (over 12 weeks; P < Cardioprotective Effect of Nutraceuticals — The Emerging Evidences 0.01) by 1.6%. Further, flavanol-rich cocoa intake reduced insulin resistance by 0.31% (P < 0.05), diastolic blood pressure by 1.6 mmHg and mean arterial blood pressure by 1.2 mm Hg (P < 0.05). In addition, with regard to tea flavanols, an early study by Duffy et al (2001) showed that short- as well as long-term black tea consumption reversed endothelial vasomotor dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease. Accordingly, one research study (Grassi et al. 2009) reported that black tea (containing increasing doses of flavonoids but very similar of caffeine) ingestion dose-dependently improved endothelial function. Black tea increased FMD from 7.8 percent (control) to 9.0, 9.1, 9.6 and 10.3 percent after the different flavonoid doses, respectively (p = 0.0001). Of interest, even 100 mg/day (less than 1 cup of tea) increased FMD compared with control (p = 0.0113). Furthermore, FMD after 800 mg/day was significantly higher than control (p < 0.0001) but also higher than 100 mg/day (p = 0.0121) and 200 mg/ day (p = 0.0275) administration. Many of the biological activities of flavonoids are attributed to their antioxidant properties and free radical scavenging capabilities. One of the most actively studied properties of flavonoids is their protection against oxidative stress (Rice-Evans 2001, Polovka et al. 2003, Zhao et al. 2000). For example, flavonoids are ideal scavengers of peroxyl radicals due to their favourable reduction potentials relative to alkyl peroxyl radicals and thus, in principle, they are effective inhibitors of lipid peroxidation. Of particular importance is the hydrogen (electron) donating ability of a flavonoid molecule which acts to scavenge a reactive radical species, and is primarily associated with the presence of a B-ring catechol group (dihydroxylated B-ring) (Schroeter et al. 2002). Hanneken et al. (2006) have conducted a study to determine whether specific dietary (fisetin, luteolin, quercetin, eriodictyol, baicalein, galangin and EGCG) and synthetic (3,6-dihydroxy flavonol and 3,7 dihydroxy flavonol) flavonoids can protect human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells from oxidativestress-induced death. The results identify a select group of flavonoids that protect RPE cells from oxidative-stress-induced death with a high degree of 989 potency and low toxicity. Many of these flavonoids also induce the expression of phase-2 detoxification proteins which could function to provide additional protection against oxidative stress. This select group of flavonoids and the foods that contain high levels of these compounds may have some clinical benefit for patients with retinal diseases associated with oxidative stress. Recent investigations have demonstrated that polyphenolic catechins inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth. Flavonoids block the enzymes that produce estrogen, thus reducing the risk of estrogen-induced cancers. Zhang et al. (2004) conducted to evaluate the effects of 20 naturally occurring flavonoids on the cellular accumulation and cytotoxicity of mitoxantrone in both breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP)-overexpressing and BCRP-negative human cell lines. BCRPoverexpressing and BCRP-negative human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and large cell lung carcinoma cells (NCI-H460) were used in these studies. Many of the tested flavonoids (50 microM) increased mitoxantrone accumulation in BCRP-overexpressing cells, completely reversing mitoxantrone resistance, with no effect on the corresponding BCRP-negative cells, indicating that these flavonoids are BCRP inhibitors. The effects of these flavonoids on the cellular accumulation and cytotoxicity of mitoxantrone were flavonoid concentration dependent, and significant changes were produced at concentrations lower than 10 microM for most of the flavonoids. Chrysin and biochanin A were the most potent BCRP inhibitors, producing significant increases in mitoxantrone accumulation at concentrations of 0.5 or 1.0 microM and in mitoxantrone cytotoxicity at a concentration of 2.5 microM. Flavonoid glycosides had no effects on the BCRP-mediated transport of mitoxantrone. Hui et al (2013) also suggested the chemopreventive effects of flavonoids on carcinogenesis and revealed that intake of flavonols and flavones, but not other flavonoid subclasses or total flavonoids, was associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer, especially among post-menopausal women. M Choudhary and V Tomer 990 4.4 Garlic 4.6 Nuts Allicin is the active ingredient formed through action of alliinase enzymes on alliin. It decreases intestinal cholesterol absorption, inhibits enzymes of cholesterol synthesis including HMG-CoA reductase (Nijjar et al. 2010). At doses of 600-900 mg/day of allicin and ajoene, there is 9-12 percent reduction in TC and LDL-C (Houston et al. 2009). Raw garlic, powdered garlic supplement, and aged garlic extract supplement are equally efficacious. Garlic may have other protective effects with regard to CVD, such as reduced blood pressure and platelet inhibition, fibrinolytic activity, reduction in oxidized LDL, and coronary artery calcification (Houston et al. 2009). Based on recent evidence garlic are not reasonably effective on the lipid profile. Nuts are a good source of mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids, and they also contain dietary fiber, phytosterols, and polyphenols. Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, and pistachios have shown reductions in LDL-C. Increased nut consumption is associated with reduced risk of CHD (Maki et al. 2010). Consumption of moderate quantities of walnuts decreases LDL-C by 18.2 mg/dl (Rajaram et al. 2001). One percent reductions in LDL-C for walnuts, pecans, peanuts, macadamias, and pistachios would be achieved with daily intakes of 4, 11, 4, 10, and 4 g, respectively (Rajaram et al. 2001). In a recent meta-analysis, diets supplemented with walnuts resulted in a 6.7 percent greater decrease in LDL-C (Sabate et al. 2005). They can be part of a successful low-carbohydrate weightloss program (Foster et al. 2003). Consumption of 28 g of unsalted nuts daily is recommended to enhance LDL-C lowering and decrease CVD risk (Kris-Etherton et al. 2001). 4.5 Green Tea Green tea and its active ingredient, E gallate (EGCG) reduce fasting and postprandial cholesterol levels leading to reductions in atherosclerotic CVD (Tokunaga et al. 2002). EGCG reduces gastrointestinal cholesterol absorption by interfering with the emulsification, digestion and micellar solubilization of lipids, upregulates hepatic LDL receptor, stimulates FA synthase and paroxonase, inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, stimulates mitochondrial energy expenditure, and reduces LDL oxidation (Tokunaga et al. 2002). EGCG also decreases Apo B lipoprotein secretion from cells, mimics the action of insulin, improves endothelial dysfunction, and decreases body fat (Houston et al. 2009). It reduced total serum glucose and LDL-C, TGs, and free FAs and increased HDL in diabetic rats, reduced myocardial levels of lipids, and improved myocardial function (Anandh et al. 2006). Two cups of green tea/day in humans reduced serum LDL-C by 13 mg%, increased plasma total antioxidant activity, decreased plasma peroxides, and decreased DNA oxidative damage in lymphocytes (Erba et al 2005). A meta-analysis showed that EGCG at 224-674 mg/day reduced TC and LDL-C by 7.2 and 2.19 mg/dl, respectively, (Yu et al. 2006) with no changes in HDL or TG. The recommended dose is standardized EGCG extract of 500-700 mg/day. 4.7 Omega-3 Fatty Acids Long-chain -3 PUFAs such as eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) (22:6) are bioactive components in oily fish. Omega-3 PUFAs alter eicosanoid biosynthesis which affects signaling, alter membrane fluidity which influences enzymatic reactions and receptor binding, and directly activate transcription factors which regulate genes affecting hyperlipidemia and inflammation. Omega-3 PUFAs cellular membranes influence membrane fluidity, which is important for cognitive development. Omega-3 fatty acids are increasingly being used in the management of cardiovascular disease as these reduce platelet aggregation, blood viscosity, plasma levels of fibrinogen, PF4, and -thromboglobulin and also increase capillary flow (Semplicini and Valle 1994). In view of this, Weitz et al. (2010) found that that fish oil, in clinically used doses (typically 4 g/d of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) reduce high triglycerides. Kromhout et al. (2011) also found that an average intake of 223 mg EPA plus 149 mg DHA and/or 1.9 g ALA exerted a protective effect against ventricular arrhythmia-related events in postmyocardial infarction patients with diabetes. Cardioprotective Effect of Nutraceuticals — The Emerging Evidences Experimental data suggest that long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish have antiarrhythmic properties, and a randomized trial suggested that dietary supplements of n-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of sudden death among survivors of myocardial infarction. Whether long-chain n-3 fatty acids are also associated with the risk of sudden death in those without a history of cardiovascular disease is unknown. In the Nurses’ Health Study and Physicians’ health study there was a lower risk of CHD and sudden death with -3 PUFA intake (Hu et al. 2002, Albert et al. 2002, Zhao et al. 2009). Kottke et al. (2006) found that raising median n-3 fatty acid levels would be expected to lower total mortality by 6.4 percent. Similarly, Geelen et al. (2005) concluded that supplementation with 1.5 g n-3 fatty acids/d from fish decreased heart rate by 2.1 beats/min in selected patients, a significant decrease that predicts a lower risk of sudden death. Further, a recent study conducted by Mozaffarian (2008) recommended that consumption of fish or fish oil (1-2 servings/wk of oily fish, or approximately 250 mg/d of EPA+DHA) substantially reduced the risk of CHD death and sudden cardiac death by 36 percent. Each 20-g/day increase in fish consumption leads to 7 percent reduction in fatal CHD (Albert et al. 2002). The Diet and Reinfarction Trial (DART) demonstrated 29 percent decrease in mortality in men postMI. The Kuppio Heart Study reported 44 percent reduction in CHD (Houston et al. 2009). Research studies have proved that one small serving of fish per week would reduce the risk of nonfatal Myocardial infarction by 27 percent and death from CVD by 17 percent. Each additional serving would decrease the risk of death by a further 3.9 percent and would reduce the risk of stroke by 12 percent. Overall, current data provide strong concordant evidence that n-3 PUFA are bioactive compounds that reduce risk of cardiac death. National and international guidelines have converged on consistent recommendations for the general population to consume at least 250 mg/day of long-chain n-3 PUFA or at least 2 servings/week of oily fish (Mozaffarian 2011). 991 4.8 Plant Fibers Dietary fibers of plant origin are resistant to digestion. They are water soluble and structural. Soluble fiber is found in oats, psyllium, pectin, flaxseed, barley, and guar gum. The structural fibers such as cellulose, lignins, and wheat bran are insoluble. Fiber rich diets are associated with reduced CHD risk (Bazzano et al. 2003). Soluble fibers physically bind to bile acids during the intraluminal formation of micelles, entrap cholesterol resulting in lowered cholesterol absorption. This leads to increased bile acid synthesis, reduced hepatic cholesterol, upregulated LDL receptors, and increased LDL clearance (Brown et al. 1999). They also increase intraluminal viscosity and slow macronutrient absorption (Leinonen et al. 2000) and increase satiety leading to lower energy intake (Blundell and Burley 1987). Insoluble fiber does not have any effect on LDL-C, unless it replaces foods supplying saturated fats and cholesterol (KrisEtherton et al. 1988). Ingestion of soluble fibers 210 g/day leads to 5-7 percent reduction in LDL-C (Brown et al. 1999). There is 12 percent and 19 percent reduction in risk for coronary events and coronary deaths, for each 10 g/day increment in dietary fiber (Pereira et al. 2004). The effect was independent of the type of soluble fiber. A doseresponse relationship was noted, with an absolute lowering of LDL-C by 1.12 mg/dl/g (Anderson et al. 2000). Reduction in Low Density LipoproteinCholesterol is is similar to that of doubling the dose of statins (approximately 6%) (Moreyra et al. 2005). Fenugreek is used as treatment of diabetes with additional lipid-modifying and antiinflammatory, antipyretic effects. The dietary fibers glucomannan and sterol saponins lead to reduced VLDL production (Boban et al. 2006). The lack of substantial human studies and animal studies refutes the effectiveness of Fenugreek for dyslipidemia. Flax seeds contain fiber and lignans and reduce the levels of 7 alpha hydrolyase and acyl CoA cholesterol transferase (ACAT) (Houston et al. 2009). Flax seeds and ALA are antiinflammatory, increase endothelial nitric oxide synthase, improve endothelial dysfunction, contain phytoestrogens and decrease vascular smooth muscle M Choudhary and V Tomer 992 hypertrophy, reduce oxidative stress, and retard development of atherosclerosis. These reduce TC and LDL by 5-15 percent, lipoprotein (a) by 14 percent, and TG by 36 percent (Houston et al. 2009). These effects do not apply to flax seed oil. In the seven countries study, CHD was reduced with ALA consumption. The Lyon Diet Trial demonstrated that intake of flax reduced CHD and total deaths by 5070 percent (Houston et al. 2009). The dose required for these effects ranges from 14 to 40 g of flax seeds per day. 4.9 Plant Sterols and Stanols Among the sterols of plant origin B-sitosterol is most abundant. Others include campesterol, stigmasterol, and stenol (Nijjar et al. 2010). Sitosterol differs from cholesterol by an additional ethyl group at C-24 leading to its poor absorption (Fernandez and VegaLopez 2005). Vegetable oils are the main sources of phytosterols (Patch et al. 2006). Phytosterols in the gut lower the micellar solubility of dietary and biliary cholesterol, lowering the amount available for absorption and increasing bile acid secretion (Patch et al. 2006). They also interact with enterocyte ATPbinding cassette transport proteins (ABCG 8 and 5) to direct cholesterol back into the intestinal lumen (Berger et al. 2004). They have anti-inflammatory action leading to decrease in hs-CRP, interleukin (IL) 6, IL-1 , TNF , phospholipase 2, and fibrinogen (Sabeva et al. 2011). Around 2-3 g phytosterol/ stanols/day lower LDL-C by 6-15 percent (Goldberg et al. 2006). TC decreases by 8 percent, LDL decreases by 10 percent (range 6-15%) with no change in TGs or HDL on doses of 2-3 g/day in divided doses with meals (Berger et al 2004). 4.10 Polyphenols Polyphenols are simple phenolic molecules to highly polymerized compounds with molecular weights of greater than 30,000 Da (German and Walzem 2000). Stilbenes, anthocyanins, condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins), in grape and wine, tetrahydro-carbolines, dietary indoleamines, melatonin, and serotonin, in different plant foods are hypothesized to impart health benefits, associated with Mediterranean dietary style. Polyphenols alter cellular metabolism and signaling, which is consistent with reducing arterial disease (German and Walzem 2000, Omenn et al. 1996, Hamblin et al. 2007). 4.11 Probiotics Probiotic bacteria ferment carbohydrates to produce short-chain FAs, which decrease serum lipids by inhibiting hepatic cholesterol synthesis and redistributing cholesterol from plasma to the liver (Agerholm-Larsen et al. 2000). Probiotics reduce lipids by coprecipitation with bile salts, deconjugation to bile salts, incorporation of cholesterol into the cellular membrane, and microbial assimilation of cholesterol. Probiotics increase antioxidant potential, lowering blood pressure, leptin, fibrinogen, F-(2) isoprostanes, and interleukin 6 and decreased monocytes adhesion to endothelial cells. Probiotic for 4-6 weeks reduces TC by 4-12 percent, LDL by 5-8 percent, and TGs by 10 percent (Houston et al 2009). Humans are recommended to consume a high quality mixed probiotic on a daily basis. 4.12 Soy Proteins Substitution of animal protein with vegetable protein appears to be associated with a lower risk of CHD (Sacks et al. 2006, Carroll 1991). Soy decreases the micellar content and absorption of lipids by fiber, isoflavones, and phytoestrogens (Nijjar et al. 2010). Soy proteins increase LDL receptor expression in human beings (Baum et al. 1998). Soy nuts (25 g soy protein) lead to 9.9 and 6.8 percent reduction in systolic and diastolic BP in hypertensive postmenopausal women (Welty et al. 2007), possibly peptides obtained by hydrolysis of soy protein have angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition property (Welty et al. 2006). Protein hydrolysates from sesame and rice appeared to be also effective with ACE inhibition (Nakano et al. 2006, Li et al. 2007). With 30-50 g soy per day, total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, and TG decreased by 2-9.3, 4-12.9, and 10.5 percent, respectively, with 2.4 percent increase in HDL-C (Harland and Haffner 2008, Reynolds et al. 2006). Cardioprotective Effect of Nutraceuticals — The Emerging Evidences 5. Conclusion Nutraceuticals are medicinal foods that play a role in maintaining well being, enhancing health, modulating immunity and thereby preventing as well as treating specific diseases. The role of nutraceuticals in CVD has been found to be active and quite effective in a large number of studies. 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