Cholesterol lowering effect of Citrus paradisi (Grape fruit) peel extract in hypercholestrolemic patients in an urban community:A randomized control trial.

Abstract

Background:Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for 31% of all deaths worldwide and 80%of all CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes . Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of CVDs. Hypercholesterolemia is the major cause of atherosclerosis. Based on a literature search, no studies have been published concerning the cholesterol lowering effects of Citrus paradisi (Grape fruit) peel extract in human beings so far.

Objective: To assess cholesterol lowering effect of Citrus paradisi peel extract (CPE) in hypercholestrolemic patients in an urban community at Lahore

Material & Methods: A double blind, placebo-controlled, multicentred, randomized control trial was conducted in Lahore urban community for a period of 6 weeks with the help of family physicians from Sep.2016 to March 2017. The study included randomly selected 200 hypercholesterolemic male patients of age group 40 to 70 years, non-smokers ,not in habit of doing exercise daily, and who consented to the trial. Selected patients were placed in 2 groups i.e trial(CPE) group and placebo group. In trial group, patients were treated with CPE (10 mcg in 2 divided doses) for 6 weeks. In placebo group similar looking preparation was given to the patients for the same period. Evaluation of lipid profile was the outcome measure.

Results: There was significant reduction in the levels of cholesterol,triglycerides and low density lipoprotein whereas significant improvement in high density lipoprotein level in the CPE group as compared with placebo group (p<0.001). Regarding blood profile , no adverse event was observed.

Conclusion: C.paradisi extract(CPE) significantly reduced cholesterol level in patients with hypercholesterolemia .