FEDERICA FOGACCI, ARRIGO F. G. CICERO*
*Corresponding author
Hypertension and Cardiovascular risk factors Research Unit,
Medical and Surgical Sciences Dept., University of Bologna, Italy
Italian Nutraceutical Society (SINut)

Abstract

Several epidemiological and experimental studies support a beneficial role of dietary polyphenols in the context of a healthy lifestyle to prevent chronic disease and promote longevity.
In the present pilot open label clinical study, we aimed at confirming the beneficial properties of a purified apple polyphenols extract (300 mg/day) on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and other cardiometabolic parameters in healthy subjects with impaired FPG.
After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, FPG and serum uric acid improved compared to the baseline (p<0.05). Aspartate aminotransferase, the lipid accumulation product and the endothelial reactivity also improved after 8 weeks of treatment (p<0.05 always). These findings overall support the use of the tested phenolic compounds at the considered doses in clinical practice.

INTRODUCTION
An antioxidant-rich diet is strongly recommended in the context of a healthy lifestyle to prevent chronic disease and promote longevity (1). In particular, scientific evidences from experimental and epidemiological studies and clinical trials support the beneficial role of dietary polyphenols, mainly for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) (2). For this reason, a large number of functional foods and dietary supplements containing polyphenols as active ingredients have been developed (3).

Recently, apple polyphenols have been shown to exert a positive effect on serum uric acid (SUA) and endothelial reactivity in overweight subjects with suboptimal blood glucose levels (4). Indeed, apples contain a variety of phenolic compounds belonging to flavonols, flavan-3-ols, dihydrochalcones (e.g. phloridzin), and phenolic acids (e.g. chlorogenic acid) that work synergistically to regulate insulinaemic levels, modulate the glucose absorption and lower postprandial glycaemic load (5-7) as well as modulate lipidic and metabolic markers. Moreover, they are safe at the average dietary intakes (~1 g per day; >100 folds b ...