Effects of Nopales (Opuntia Spp.) on Lipoprotein Profile and Oxidative Stress in Moderately Hypercholesterolemic Adults
Completed · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Cardiovascular Disease
In brief
In light of the high CVD morbidity and mortality, promoting simple interventions to improve serum lipids and decrease oxidative stress are warranted to help prevent chronic diseases. Because of their fiber content, nopales (prickly pear cactus pads from the Opuntia species) are commonly regarded among Mexicans as a medicinal plant for glycemic and cholesterol control. However, the literature documenting their purported hypocholesterolemic potential is scarce. Given the unique composition and potential benefits of nopales, their use may be an ideal approach as an adjunct therapy for the reduction in cardiometabolic risk factors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a 2-week intervention with nopales pads for the reduction of established CVD risk factors (serum lipids) in comparison to a control food with lower antioxidant and fiber content (cucumber) among adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia in a randomized controlled crossover trial. Because limited data exists on the effects of nopales supplementation on other factors associated with cardiometabolic risk, an exploratory assessment of how biomarkers of insulin sensitivity, inflammation (high sensitivity C-reactive protein \[hsCRP\]) and oxidative stress (LDL oxidizability and total antioxidant capacity) will also be conducted.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT02209493
- Run by
- Arizona State University
- People needed
- 27
- Starts
- 2013-01-01
- Expected to finish
- 2014-03-01
- Last updated by the study team
- 2014-08-07
Who can join
Age: 18 and older, up to 70. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Moderate hypercholesterolemia (LDL cholesterol ≥ 120 mg/dL)
You may not qualify if…
- Use of hypolipidemic medications
- Regular physical activity (≥ 30 min /day for ≥ 5 days/week)
- Presence of known chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, CVD, cancer, hepatitis, inflammatory conditions, gastrointestinal disorders)
- Consumption of > 4 servings/day of fruits and vegetables
- Following a restrictive diet (e.g., carbohydrate restriction, veganism) or having any condition likely to require specialized dietary modifications
- Use of supplements (antioxidants, fiber and botanicals)
- Latex allergy
- Fear of needles
- Breastfeeding, pregnancy, or intent to become pregnant
- Unwillingness to comply with study protocol
- Participation in other research studies.
Where it is running
- Nutrition Laboratory at Arizona State University — Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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