Improving Cardiovascular Health

Clinical research has shown that Enzogenol may help to improve cardiovascular health through positive effects on endothelial function, plasma viscosity, fibrinogen levels and systolic blood pressure.

The effects of Enzogenol on parameters of cardiovascular health were studied in two clinical trials:

Study 1.Pilot evaluation of the clinical, biochemical haematological and haemodynamic effects of flavonoid dietary supplementation in healthy people

This study was carried out by Dr. Brett Shand and Prof. Russell Scott of the Lipid & Diabetes Research Group, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand. In this trial, 24 healthy subjects, age 55-75, received a daily dose of 480 mg of Enzogenol and 240 mg vitamin C over 12 weeks. This first formal clinical trial confirmed the safety of Enzogenol. No treatment related adverse events were noticed in this study, and no adverse effects on routine laboratory indices of glycaemic control, renal and liver function, plasma lipid profile and haematology were noticed. The data indicated that the supplementation was associated with beneficial effects on a range of clinical parameters shown below. (For the full details of this study see the scientific publication by Shand et al., 2003, Phytotherapy Research Vol.17 p490.)

Imroved endothelial function

The cardiovascular measurements in this study showed improvements in blood flow indicating better endothelial function. The reduction in plasma viscosity indicated lower levels of inflammation in the body.

Reduced systolic BP

Reduction of systolic blood pressure further confirmed a healthier cardiovascular system after 12 week of supplementation.

Study 2. Double-blind, controlled study on the vascular, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anthropometric effects of Enzogenol in chronic smokers

This study was carried out by Joanna Young, Dr. Brett Shand and Prof. Russell Scott of the Lipid & Diabetes Research Group, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand. In this trial 44 smokers, aged 40-67, were assigned to a treatment and a control group. For 12 weeks 22 subjects in the treatment group received 480 mg Enzogenol and 60 mg vitamin C daily, and the 22 control subjects received 60 mg vitamin C only per day. In this second clinical trial Enzogenol was again very well tolerated with no adverse reactions and normal laboratory measures of all biochemical and haematological parameters. The data indicated that Enzogenol was associated with beneficial effects on a range of clinical parameters shown below. (For the full details of this study see the scientific publication by Young et al., 2006, Free Radical Research Vol.40 p85.)

Reduction of Plasma Fibrinogen Levels

In this study Enzogenol reduced plasma fibrinogen levels in heavy smokers. After 12 weeks there was a significant decrease in fibrinogen levels in the Enzogenol + Vitamin C treatment group in comparison to Vitamin C alone in subjects with a heavier smoking history [p=0.009]. Data expressed as means +/- SEM.

Plasma fibrinogen is a well established risk factor of cardiovascular disease and inflammation. Reductions in fibrinogen levels indicate improved cardiovascular and inflammatory status.

BP Metaanalysis

In Studies 2 and 4 (description of study 4 click here) there were reductions in systolic blood pressure with Enzogenol. Since, these reductions did not reach statistical significance, both studies were analysed together in a ‘Meta-Analysis’. This type of analysis gives more statistical power and allows to test whether the reduced blood pressure findings were likely to be true. The meta-analysis included the 6 and 12 week time-points of study 2, and included (+ht) or excluded (-ht) subjects on anti-hypertensive medications from study 4. The combined results showed that Enzogenol supplementation significantly reduced systolic blood pressure whereas Vitamin C did not lead to any reduction.

These findings demonstrated how Enzogenol contributes to promoting healthier blood circulation and heart health by improving blood vessel responsiveness and reducing systolic blood pressure, both important factors for a healthy cardiovascular system.

Reducing fibrinogen levels in the blood plasma showed how Enzogenol may reduce the propensity for blood clots, which is critical to reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other conditions like strokes and heart attacks.