Mulberry leaf attenuates atherosclerotic lesions in patients with coronary heart disease possibly via 1‐Deoxynojirimycin: A placebo‐controlled, double‐blind clinical trial

Mulberry leaf tea reduces atherosclerotic lesions and its main component is Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ). We aimed to explore the effects of Mulberry leaf DNJ (MLD) on atherosclerotic lesions in the patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). MLD and serum DNJ was detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The CHD patients with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol >140 mg/dl were assigned into the EG (MLD treatment) and the CG (placebo treatment) groups. Serum biochemical indices, the cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) were measured before and after a 1-year intervention. Pearson Correlation Coefficient test was used to explore the relationship between serum levels of DNJ and IMT values. Serum DNJ was 70 ± 50 ng/ml in the EG group but no serum DNJ was detected in the CG group. The incidence of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events in the EG was lower than that in the CG group (p < .05). MLD therapy improved antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and serum lipid profile (p < .05). The IMT values in the EG group were lower than those in the CG group (p < .05). Serum levels of DNJ had a strong negative relationship with IMT values. MLD treatment attenuates atherosclerotic lesions possibly via DNJ. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Mulberry leaves Deoxynojirimycin (MLD) treatment improved antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and serum lipid profile in heart disease patients. MLD reduce carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and serum levels of DNJ (the main ingredient of mulberry leaf) had a strong relationship with IMT values. MLD is an amazing treat used for reducing the incidence of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events in heart disease patients.