The Combined Intervention of Aqua Exercise and Burdock Extract Synergistically Improved Arterial Stiffness: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial

Ha MS, Lee JH, Jeong WM, Kim HR, Son WH

Published in Metabolites

Methodology

Four-arm randomized double-blind controlled trial (control, exercise, burdock, exercise + burdock) over 16 weeks in older women with metabolic syndrome; blood pressure, insulin resistance, arterial stiffness and vascular regulation factors measured.

Key Findings

Aqua exercise lowered insulin, glucose and HOMA-IR and improved QUICKI and prostaglandin I2; adding burdock extract further improved the augmentation index and arterial stiffness measures.

Conclusions

Burdock extract added to aquatic exercise improved arterial stiffness beyond exercise alone in older women with metabolic syndrome.

Limitations

Very small groups (about 10 per arm), single population, burdock-only effects modest, surrogate vascular endpoints.

Supplements Studied

Burdock Root

Herb

The combined burdock extract intake and aqua exercise intervention had an additional effect, improving the augmentation index.

Outcomes Measured

Insulin Sensitivity

The 16-week intervention of aqua exercise decreased the levels of insulin, glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and thromboxane A2.

Arterial Flexibility

The combined burdock extract intake and aqua exercise intervention had an additional effect, improving the augmentation index.