The effect of artichoke leaf extract supplementation on lipid profile of chronic kidney disease patients; a double-blind, randomized clinical trial

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 m(2)) 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.