Anti‐inflammatory effect of water extracts of Graptopetalum paraguayense supplementation in subjects with metabolic syndrome: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND Many studies have demonstrated that Graptopetalum paraguayense has good antioxidant ability; however, few studies have examined its anti‐inflammatory effect. The study aimed to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effects of water extracts of G. paraguayense ( WGP , 4 g day −1 ) in subjects with metabolic syndrome ( MS ). Intervention was administered for 12 weeks. Levels of inflammatory markers [high sensitivity C‐reactive protein ( CRP ), tumour necrosis factor‐α ( TNF ‐α), and interleukin‐6 ( IL ‐6)] and antioxidant enzymes activities were measured. RESULTS Forty‐two subjects completed the 12 week intervention study (placebo, n = 19; WGP , n = 23). After 12 weeks supplementation, subjects in WGP group had significantly lower levels of inflammatory markers than the baseline ( P < 0.05) and the placebo group ( CRP , P = 0.07; TNF ‐α, P = 0.04; IL ‐6, P = 0.03). The changes in levels of the inflammatory markers were significantly decreased in WGP group ( CRP , P = 0.04; TNF ‐α, P = 0.06; IL ‐6, P = 0.01) compared to the placebo group. Levels of inflammatory markers were significantly negatively correlated with the antioxidant enzymes activities after supplementation. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated a significant reduction in inflammatory status in MS after WGP supplementation. WGP may exert an anti‐inflammatory effect on MS in addition to its antioxidant ability. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry