Monoglucosyl rutin, a flavonoid glycoside, improves low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) continues to be a significant contributor to global mortality, impacting over 523 million individuals worldwide. Dyslipidemia stands as one of the foremost risk factors for ASCVD. Thus, prioritizing the reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels is essential in mitigating cardiovascular complications.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the lipid-lowering activity of a dietary supplement containing monoglucosyl rutin (MR) in individuals with low to mild hypercholesterolemia.

Methods: This was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study conducted from April 20 to December 24, 2022. The study population included 56 healthy Japanese adult participants with LDL-C levels between 120–139 mg/dL who were randomly allocated to either the MR or placebo groups (n = 28/group) using a computerized random number generator. 200 mg of MR or placebo divided into 3 tablets was given daily; participants were instructed to take 1 tablet with water after each meal for 12 weeks. The main focus was on measuring the serum LDL-C level as the primary outcome, with additional attention given to secondary outcomes such as serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol, and non-HDL-C levels. The study also evaluated the percentage of participants achieving serum LDL-C levels below 120 mg/dL after the 12-week intervention. Assessments were conducted after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of intervention.

Results: There were 54 (27 in each group) participants in the per-protocol set (PPS) and 53 (placebo group, 26; MR group, 27) participants in the modified PPS (mPPS). A statistically significant group difference in serum LDL-C levels was observed (P < 0.05), with a 5.0% decrease from preintervention to after 12 weeks. The reduction in LDL-C levels coincided with statistically significant decreases in total cholesterol levels, non HDL-C levels, and the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. During the study period, there was no adverse event or concern about the safety of MR.

Conclusions: MR has potential as a preventive or therapeutic tool for improving improve long-term health and reducing cardiovascular morbidity.

Keywords: monoglucosyl rutin, flavonoid glycoside, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hyperlipidemia, lipid profile

Trial registration number: UMIN000047790