Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States and worldwide. The World Health Organization reported that in 2021, deaths due to heart disease accounted for a shocking 31% of all deaths worldwide.1
According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of American adults have some form of cardiovascular disease.2
These sobering statistics are accelerating efforts to address the problem and find effective strategies for prevention and risk factor management. Rob Brewster, President of Ingredients by Nature, reports.
Comprehensive Cardiovascular Support with Nutritional Supplements
In this context, growing evidence supports the health benefits of polymethoxyflavones (PMFs), which contain multiple methoxy groups (CH3) blocks oxidative stress and regulates enzymes that control free radicals.
Nobiletin (NOB) and tangeretin (TAN) account for 95% of the PMFs in citrus fruits and have a high capacity to combat oxidative stress and improve whole-body antioxidant function.
Research has shown that daily supplementation with PMF inhibits the early stages of local inflammation, reduces the overproduction of pro-inflammatory biomolecules (cytokines and nitric oxide), reduces systemic inflammation, and maintains healthy levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides.
Pioneering studies have shown that TAN reduces the hepatic synthesis of apoB and triglycerides, which are thought to be components of LDL cholesterol.3
Another study demonstrated that NOB reduced key indicators of cardiovascular health, including LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.Four
In rats, NOB improved antioxidant capacity and reduced lipid peroxidation, whereas TAN increased retinol and α-tocopherol levels, thereby contributing to a reduction in lipid peroxidation in blood.Five
Tocotrienols and tocopherols, which belong to the vitamin E family and are found primarily in palm oil and rice bran oil, play a complementary role in protecting the heart.
In the body, tocotrienols inhibit the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Tocotrienols also have powerful antioxidant properties, further improving heart health.
Its main strength comes from its ability to affect healthy levels of endogenous lipoproteins (LDL, VLDL, and HDL), particles synthesized in the liver and intestine that transport cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood to other organs.
Additionally, tocotrienols help prevent lipid peroxidation and reduce oxidative stress.6 After extensive research into the effects of palm oil tocotrienols and tocopherols, it was concluded that there is sufficient evidence to support that these two vitamin E groups have high potential as lipid-lowering agents, especially with regard to total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.7
Clinical Studies and Results
A landmark study by Roza et al. aimed to evaluate the effect of a combined citrus flavonoid and tocotrienol supplement on cholesterol levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia.8
Participants included men and women aged 19-65 years with cholesterol levels over 230 mg/dL. Subjects were randomized to receive either a supplement containing 270 mg of PMF and 30 mg of tocotrienol (Sytrinol) or a placebo daily for four weeks.
The results were compelling: the combination of NOB, TAN and tocotrienols significantly reduced total cholesterol by 20% and LDL cholesterol by 22% compared to the placebo group.
These reductions highlight the potential of this natural combination to support healthy cholesterol levels. Additionally, the supplement reduced triglyceride levels by 28%, which is crucial in managing your lipid profile.8
The findings suggest that a combination of citrus flavonoids and tocotrienols may effectively address heart health by reducing risk factors, specifically by maintaining healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
This natural combination offers a viable option for those looking for a natural way to manage their cholesterol levels. Importantly, no significant side effects were reported in this study, highlighting the safety and tolerability of this combination for long-term use.
Supplement Formulations and Opportunities
Supplement manufacturers have a great opportunity to take advantage of these findings: Given the prevalence of heart health issues worldwide, people are seeking unique and effective interventions.
Consumer awareness of the benefits of citrus flavonoids and tocotrienols for cholesterol management and heart health is growing, and developing a supplement containing effective doses of citrus flavonoids and tocotrienols, like those used in the study, can help ensure effectiveness.
Sytrinol, available from Ingredients by Nature, is a blend of polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs) and tocotrienols. Strict quality control measures were followed during the development of this ingredient to maintain the purity and potency of the active ingredients, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
The Road Ahead
While previous studies and the clinical trial by Roza et al. provide a solid foundation, future studies will aim to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which citrus flavonoids and tocotrienols support heart health.
Exploring the synergistic effects of combining these compounds with other natural substances known to support cardiovascular health, such as omega-3 fatty acids and plant sterols, could open new avenues for innovation.
Explore other potential benefits
Beyond their effects on cholesterol and triglyceride levels, citrus flavonoids and tocotrienols may offer a wide range of benefits for cardiovascular health. Recent studies suggest that these compounds may improve endothelial function, which is important for maintaining vascular health.
Endothelial cells line the inner surface of blood vessels and are essential for regulating blood pressure. Studies have shown that the antioxidant properties of citrus flavonoids may protect endothelial cells from oxidative damage and improve blood flow.9
Similarly, tocotrienols have been shown to promote the production of nitric oxide, a key molecule involved in vasodilation and blood pressure regulation.Ten These combined effects suggest that citrus flavonoids and tocotrienols may play an important role in overall cardiovascular support.
Conclusion
The combination of citrus flavonoids and tocotrienols offers a promising natural approach to supporting heart health.
Their powerful antioxidant effects, cholesterol-lowering properties and ability to support a healthy inflammatory response may help maintain healthier cholesterol and triglyceride levels, key indicators of cardiovascular health.
Additionally, its ability to improve endothelial function and support vascular health highlights its potential as a comprehensive solution for cardiovascular health.
Developing scientifically-backed products incorporating effective doses of these compounds can help meet the growing demand for natural health interventions and more holistic risk reduction.
Future studies will include confirming these benefits in larger, more diverse populations, as well as investigating the synergistic effects of combining these compounds with other heart-healthy substances, such as omega-3 fatty acids and plant sterols.
As the evidence grows, so will the opportunities to innovate and develop effective, natural solutions for heart health.
Ultimately, incorporating citrus flavonoids and tocotrienols into your heart health regimen represents a major step forward in the effort to improve cardiovascular health.
Through continued research, education and product innovation, the industry can make progress towards improving heart health and play a key role in efforts to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular disease.
References
- www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds).
- www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000950.
- E. M. Kurowska, others., “Regulation of net apolipoprotein B secretion in HepG2 cells by tangeretin, a citrus polymethoxyflavone.” Lipids 39(2), 143-151 (2004).
- J.H. Yen; others“The citrus flavonoid 5-demethylnobiletin suppresses scavenger receptor expression in THP-1 cells and alters lipid homeostasis in HepG2 hepatic A cells.” Molecular Nutrition Research. 55(5), 733-748 (2011).
- M. Rodriguez, others., “Differential Effects of Nobiletin and Tangeretin on Antioxidant Activity and α-Tocopherol and Retinol Levels in Rats.” Food Science and Engineering. 2(2), 98–111 (2021).
- R. Ranasinghe, M. Mathai, A. Zurri, “Revisiting the therapeutic potential of tocotrienols.” Biofactors 48(4), 813–856 (2022).
- SB Sharifa Noratica, etc“Effects of palm oil on plasma and serum lipid parameters: a systematic review of animal intervention studies” Frontline Veterinary Medicine. 7303 (2020).
- J.M. Rosa, others“Effects of citrus flavonoids and tocotrienols on serum cholesterol levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia” Alternative Therapies Health Med 13(6), 44–48 (2007).
- A.M. Mahmud, others“Beneficial Effects of Citrus Flavonoids on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health” Oxidation. Medicine. Cell length. (2019): doi.org/10.1155/2019/5484138.
- A.A. Qureshi, etc“Suppression of nitric oxide production and cardiovascular risk factors by a combination of polyphenols and vitamins in healthy elderly people and hypercholesterolemic subjects” J. Clinical Extended Cardiology(2012): doi:10.4172/2155-9880.S5-008.
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