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Carob pulp preparation for treatment of hypercholesterolemia

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Abstract

The lipid-lowering effect of a carob pulp preparation rich in insoluble dietary fiber and polyphenols was investigated in a noncomparative, open-label pilot study. Over 8 weeks, 47 volunteers with moderate hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol 232–302 mg/dL) consumed 15 g of carob per day in three products (breakfast cereal, fruit muesli bar, powdered drink) as a supplement to their regular diet. After 4 weeks, reductions of 7.1% in mean total cholesterol and 10.6% in LDL cholesterol were noted; respective decreases after 6 weeks were 7.8% and 12.2% (all P<.001). HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels remained unchanged. Overall compliance was good. Only 3 volunteers (6%) reported a sensation of fullness, which led to 2 of the 3 dropouts. The carob preparation may have value in the dietary treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Germany

    H. J. F. Zunft

  2. German Institute of Human Nutrition, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, D-14558, Bergholz-Rehbruecke, Germany

    W. Lüder

  3. Center for Conventional Medicine & Alternative Therapies, Berlin, Germany

    A. Harde

  4. Nutrinova Nutrition Specialties & Food Ingredients GmbH, Frankfurt/Main, Germany

    B. Haber

  5. PhytoPharm Consulting, Institute for Phytopharmaceuticals GmbH, Berlin, Germany

    H. -J. Graubaum & J. Gruenwald

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  1. H. J. F. Zunft
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  2. W. Lüder
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  3. A. Harde
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  4. B. Haber
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  5. H. -J. Graubaum
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  6. J. Gruenwald
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Zunft, H.J.F., Lüder, W., Harde, A. et al. Carob pulp preparation for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Adv Therapy 18, 230–236 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02853169

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