Alfred Sparman
Hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes are risks factors associated with cardiovascular disease; with hypertension being the leading risk factor. Here we investigated the effect of a herbal combination of Moringa oleifera, Bryophylum pinnatum and vitamin C on specific parameters in persons with or at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Objective: To determine the outcome regarding the use of a potent antioxidant dietary supplement consisting of Moringa oleifera, Bryophyllum pinnatum and Vitamin C on blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood glucose levels in persons with or at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Materials: Sixty-six participants received a potent antioxidant dietary supplement formulated from vitamin C, and the herbs Moringa oleifera and Byrophyllum pinnatum. Participants were screened and provided with the dietary supplement in the form of a capsule, and were instructed to consume one capsule daily for a period of six months. At the commencement of the study and once a month, participants’ blood pressure was assessed and, blood tests and a quality of life questionnaire were completed in the clinical setting. The data obtained from the laboratory tests and the questionnaires was recorded. The accumulated data and the researcher’s observations were used to determine feasibility.
Results: Of the participants initially screened at the commencement of the study, 62.9% completed the study. After one month of supplement use female participants experienced a 3.26% change in diastolic blood pressure. After three months of supplement use blood glucose levels among participants decreased by 1.81%. Laboratory tests results showed that Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased by 5.6% among female participants only, whereas High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased among all participants.
Conclusion: Aggregate data suggests that this specific formulation of Moringa oleifera, Bryophyllum pinnatum and vitamin C, may assist with the management of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and is supportive of the implementation of a long-term randomized clinical trial.