Impact of Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) Supplementation on Atherogenic Lipoproteins and Menopausal Symptoms in Hyperlipidemic South Asian Women - A Randomized Controlled Study

J Diet Suppl. 2017 Sep 3;14(5):503-513. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2016.1267063. Epub 2017 Jan 25.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) on atherogenic lipoproteins, inflammation, and menopausal symptoms.

Methods: Fifty-nine hyperlipidemic women were randomized into control (n = 30) and intervention groups (n = 29). Intervention group was administered 3.5 g of freeze-dried wheatgrass powder in encapsulated form daily for 10 weeks, while the control group received no intervention.

Results: The intervention group experienced a reduction of 5.4% in total cholesterol (TC), 4.4% in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and 9.5% in triacylglycerols (TAG); however, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) also reduced by 6% following 10 weeks of intervention. Compared with the control group, the baseline-adjusted post-intervention levels of TC, TAG, and Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) were significantly lower in the experimental group compared with the control group (p = 0.043, 0.045, and 0.016, respectively). Prevalence of menopausal symptoms saw nonsignificant reductions: vasomotor, 42%; somatic, 33%; and psychological, 50%, while urogenital symptoms remained unaltered.

Conclusions: Wheatgrass supplementation at a dose of 3.5 g per day for a period of 10 weeks results in significant reductions in Apo B fraction, TC, and TAG without significantly reducing the HDL cholesterol.

Keywords: South Asian women; atherogenicity; hyperlipidemic; inflammation; menopausal symptoms; wheatgrass.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Apolipoproteins B / blood
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Drug Compounding
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperlipidemias / blood
  • Hyperlipidemias / therapy*
  • Lipoproteins, HDL / blood
  • Lipoproteins, LDL / blood
  • Menopause / blood*
  • Middle Aged
  • Powders / administration & dosage*
  • Triglycerides / blood
  • Triticum*

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins B
  • Lipoproteins, HDL
  • Lipoproteins, LDL
  • Powders
  • Triglycerides
  • Cholesterol