Barberry Administration and Pro-Oxidant–Antioxidant Balance in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome

BACKGROUND Metabolic syndrome is the constellation of several cardiometabolic risk factors, and is associated with a heightened risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) is a measure of factors that promote and control oxidative stress. PAB may also be associated with the risk factors of CHD. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore the impact of supplementation with barberry, a fruit rich in antioxidants, on PAB in patients with metabolic syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 106 patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome were randomized in two groups: case and control. The case group received three capsules of barberry and the control group received three capsules of placebo for 6 weeks. Serum PAB was measured in all patients before and after the intervention. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the groups regarding their baseline PAB values (P = 0.32). A significant decrease in PAB was observed in the barberry group (P = 0.022), whilst there was no significant change in the control group (P = 0.18). The magnitude of change in PAB during the study was significantly greater in the case group compared to the control group (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Barberry supplementation reduces oxidative burden in patients with metabolic syndrome.