A Polyphenolic Extract from Annurca Apples Raises HDL and Lowers LDL Cholesterol

by | Feb 25, 2019 | 2017, Blood Lipids, Cardiovascular Health, Fruits and Vegetables, Polyphenols

Written by Chrystal Moulton, Staff Writer. Polyphenolic extract from Annurca apples, native to Italy, significantly reduced LDL-C by 37.5%, total cholesterol by 24.9% and significantly increased HDL cholesterol by 49.2%.

Cardiovascular disease remains a major health issue in western society and the leading cause of death globally, particularly among developed or developing countries1.  The following study investigates a food that may benefit lipid levels. Polyphenolic compounds have previously been associated with reductions in LDL-C. Researchers, testing the effects of 5 different species of apples on the reduction of total cholesterol and LDL-C, found significant reductions in LDL-C and total cholesterol in all groups who ate one apple/day4.  Among the 5 species of apples tested in the aforementioned study, Annurca apples demonstrated the largest reduction in LDL-C/total cholesterol and a significant increase in HDL-C. Annurca apples had the highest polyphenolic content compared to the other 4 species (Granny Smith’s, Red Delicious, Fuji, and Golden Delicious). The results from the previous study prompted the same researchers to test a pure polyphenolic extract of Annurca apples on hypercholesterolemic patients in the current study5.

In a monocentric, double blind, placebo-controlled 16-week study containing 250 hypocholesterolemic healthy subjects,5 researchers tested a trademarked supplement (AppleMets ®) containing polyphenols extracted from Annurca apples. Participants were advised to take two capsules a day: one at lunchtime and one at dinner time. Total treatment dose was 800 mg per day. The placebo consisted of capsules containing only maltodextrin. Over the 16 weeks, subjects underwent four weeks of placebo followed by eight weeks of treatment with AppleMets ® (800mg daily) and an additional four weeks of follow up. Researchers tested for HDL, LDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, heart rate, and BMI. Renal and hepatic evaluation was evaluated for safety. Samples were taken after a 12 hour fast at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16.

Results showed that AppleMets ® safely and significantly increased HDL cholesterol levels while significantly lowering LDL levels for all participants without affecting glucose levels. Total cholesterol was reduced by 24.9% and LDL-C reduced by 37.5% (p<0.05). On the other hand, HDL-C was significantly increased by 49.2% (p<0.05).

Overall, researchers saw a 49% increase in HDL cholesterol and approximately 38% reduction in LDL cholesterol and 25% reduction in total cholesterol. AppleMets ® did not alter glucose levels or effect liver and kidney function. A major drawback of the study was a lack of diversity in the study population since 100% of participants were white. More studies will be needed to verify results.

Source: Tenore, G. C., Caruso, D., Buonomo, G., D’Avino, M., Campiglia, P., Marinelli, L., & Novellino, E. (2017). A healthy balance of plasma cholesterol by a novel Annurca apple-based nutraceutical formulation: Results of a randomized trial. Journal of medicinal food, 20(3), 288-300.

© Gian Carlo Tenore, et al., 2017; Published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Creative Commons License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)

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Posted February 25, 2019.

Chrystal Moulton BA, PMP, is a 2008 graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology with a focus on premedical studies and is a licensed project manager. She currently resides in Indianapolis, IN.

References:

  1. Balakumar, P., Maung-U, K., & Jagadeesh, G. (2016). Prevalence and prevention of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Pharmacological research, 113, 600-609.
  2. Alberto Corsini & Richard Ceska (2011) Drug–drug interactions with statins: will pitavastatin overcome the statins’ Achilles’ heel?, Current Medical Research and Opinion, 27:8, 1551-1562.
  3. Stefano Bellosta & Alberto Corsini (2018) Statin drug interactions and related adverse reactions: an update, Expert Opinion on Drug Safety, 17:1, 25-37.
  4. Tenore, G. C., et al. “apple as a functional food for the contribution to a healthy balance of plasma cholesterol levels: Results of a randomized clinical trial.” J. Sci. Food Agric 97 (2017): 2107-2115.
  5. Tenore, G. C., Caruso, D., Buonomo, G., D’Avino, M., Campiglia, P., Marinelli, L., & Novellino, E. (2017). A healthy balance of plasma cholesterol by a novel Annurca apple-based nutraceutical formulation: Results of a randomized trial. Journal of medicinal food, 20(3), 288-300.