Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Extract of Citri Pericarpium on Serum Lipid Profiles in Subjects: a Randomized, Double-blind

Objectives : This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of extract from Citri Pericarpium (CP) on lipid-lowering effect in semi-healthy subjects with increased serum levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride. Methods : A experimental group (n=45) and placebo group (n=46) were randomly established based on the plasma lipid profiles (triglyceride, total cholesterol etc.) in the semi-healthy subjects, then all subjects randomly took experimental or placebo capsules, which contain 1,200 mg of CP or the same dose of soluble starch per day with regular meals for 8 weeks by double-blind method. Results : One-hundred forty (140) subjects were screened, then 91 subjects enrolled in the study. No serious adverse events were reported for trial period. The CP treatment showed statistically significant decrease in serum levels of triglyceride both at 4-weeks (p-GT serum levels wasn't shown before and after trial in two groups. Conclusion : These results demonstrate that CP can significantly suppress the elevated triglyceride but not total cholesterol level. Therefore, CP may play a role in the improvement of blood lipid levels, as an effective functional food.