Postmenopausal women have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) disease than age-match men. Growing evidence from rat studies have demonstrated CV-protective effects of pumpkin seed oil (PSO). The investigators hypothesis is that PSO would improve CV health in postmenopausal women.
The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of 6 weeks of PSO on arterial and autonomic function in postmenopausal women. Specific aims of the study are to: To investigate the extent to which PSO will improve cardiovascular disease risk factors by assessing arterial stiffness, aortic BP and wave reflection, and autonomic function (heart rate variability).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
23
This intervention consisted of 6 weeks of PSO consumption. Subject were supplemented with 3 g/day of PSO which was ingested in the form of 1g capsules with each main meal of the day (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
This intervention consisted of 6 weeks of placebo consumption. Subject consumed 1 capsule of maltodextrin with each main meal of the day to match the dose and number of capsules ingested daily by the PSO group.
Marymount University
Arlington, Virginia, United States
Blood pressure
Non-invasive measures of brachial and aortic blood pressure
Time frame: 6 weeks
Pressure Wave Reflection
Using the augmentation index
Time frame: 6 weeks
Arterial Stiffness
Using the stiffness index
Time frame: 6 weeks
Heart rate variability
R-R intervals were collected during 6 min using a validated wireless monitor (Polar 800CX; Polar Electro OY, Kempele, Finland) via a chest strap interfaced with a PC. All R-R intervals were inspected for artifacts and premature beats.
Time frame: 6 weeks
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