Black Raspberry Improves CVD Risk in Metabolic Syndrome

29 Apr 2016 --- A new study shows that black raspberry extract can significantly lower a key measure of arterial stiffness-an indicator of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Black raspberry intake was also associated with increased levels of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which help repair and regenerate damaged arteries, according to the study published in Journal of Medicinal Food.

Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) has long been used in traditional alternative medicine in Korea because of its potential to improve vascular function.

Han Saem Jeong, Sohyeon Kim, and coauthors from Korea University Anam Hospital (Seoul) and Gochang Black Raspberry Research Institute (Korea), conducted the study. 

Dried unripe black raspberries were made into capsules containing black raspberry powder under good manufacturing practices, and each black raspberry capsule contained 187.5 mg of dried unripe black raspberry powder. 

A total of 116 patients aged between 18 and 75 years of age with metabolic syndrome were included in the randomized controlled trial which compared two groups of patients with metabolic syndrome.

One group received 750 mg/day of black raspberry extract (equivalent to 4 capsules each day), and the other received a placebo for 12 weeks.

In the article "Black Raspberry Extract Increased Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Improved Arterial Stiffness in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial," the researchers present the changes recorded in the radial augmentation index (a measure of arterial stiffness), blood pressure, circulating EPCs, and various markers of inflammation for the two groups of patients.

The researcher note that the study had some limitations. The total number of study participants was relatively small for evaluating clinical cardiovascular events. 

Black raspberry contains various types of beneficial natural compounds, including polyphenolic compounds; however, exact mechanisms about the relationship between the beneficial compounds in black raspberry and favorable effects on circulating number of EPCs and arterial stiffness need to be further investigated.