Abstract
Introduction: Hyperlipidemia is considered a prominent risk factor for coronary heart
disease. Coronary heart disease is the most common cause of mortality and morbidity in
chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of artichoke leaf extract (ALE)
supplementation on the lipid profile of CKD patients.
Patients and Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was
conducted in 38 CKD subjects (GFR<60 and >15 mL/min/1.73 m2
) with hypercholesterolemia
(total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] ≥ 110 mg/dL).
The intervention group received an artichoke capsule (320 mg) and an indistinguishable
placebo was given to the control group twice daily for 6 weeks. Lipid profile and appetite were
assessed at week 8 and the results were compared with the baseline data.
Results: ALE supplementation was correlated with a statistically significant decrease in mean
total cholesterol (P=0.028) and LDL-C (P=0.005) compared to the control group. The two
groups did not show a significant difference in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P=0.071)
and triglyceride levels (P=0.22). There was a statistically significant difference in appetite
between the two groups (P=0.016).
Conclusion: This randomized controlled trial demonstrated that consumption of ALE
supplement may improve appetite and lipid profile in CKD patients.