Intake of Crataegus extract WS® 1442 compared to physical exercise in mildly overweight, healthy volunteers - safety and influence on endothelial function

Abstract

Methods: 60 male or female mildly overweight (BMI: 25.0 – 29.9 kg/m) otherwise healthy volunteers (age range 45 – 75 years) were randomised to receive WS® 1442 450 mg b.i.d., WS® 1442 900 mg b.i.d., light exercise (Nordic Walking, 2 × 30 min/week) or moderate exercise (Nordic Walking, 4 × 45 min/week) for 12 weeks. As exploratory pharmacodynamic outcome, parameters of endothelial function (Reactive Hyperaemia Index [RHI]; Augmentation Index [AI]) and plasma lipids were measured. Furthermore, quantitative measurement of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) was conducted.