Lychee for Metabolic Syndrome

Lychee, a fruit native to Asia that is often used in desserts, may help treat a medical condition known as metabolic syndrome.

People with metabolic syndrome have three or more of following medical conditions: high blood pressure, high insulin levels, excess fat around the waist and high cholesterol. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

The study included 18 adults with waist circumferences of at least 85 centimeters (33.5 inches). They were randomly assigned to receive 100 milligrams of a lychee extract (Oligonol®) or placebo twice daily for 10 weeks.

People in the Oligonol® group experienced significant reductions in waste circumference of an average of three centimeters (1.2 inches) compared to the control group. Subcutaneous fat and abdominal fat were reduced by about six and 15 percent, respectively. The Oligonol® group also experienced improvements in insulin resistance and increases in adiponectin, a hormone that regulates various metabolic processes.

Although promising, these early results are limited by the small sample size. Additional research is needed to fully understand the potential relationship between lychee and metabolic syndrome.

For more information about body mass index, body weight and waist-to-hip ratio, please visit Natural Standard's Interactive Tools database.

Comments

[Grace Caulfield]

Adiponectin may have antihyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory properties in and of itself. People with metabolic syndrome could definitely benefit from increased levels of this hormone. Oligonol® also has components of green tea in it, so its beneficial effects may not be from the lychee component only.

[URA]

I looked up the mechanism of action of Oliganol on regulation of fat metabolism and found a recent study that suggests Oliganol is able to greatly increase lipolysis by activating extracellular signaling-related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), which in turn leads to down-regulation of a protein perilipin. Perilipin is responsible for regulation of lipid storage. It also protects fat-storing cells from lipases preventing lipolysis. Consequently, down-regulation of perilipin accelerates the process of lipolysis, which may help explain results of this study.

[Pam]

Wow! This is great information! Metabolic syndrome is a big problem in our society now. It is impressive that lychee decreased abdominal fat and waist circumference and improved insulin resistance. I am curious to know the mechanism behind these actions. Looking forward to more research!

[Sam]

This is very interesting, as I have not read about a treatment specifically for metabolic syndrome prior to seeing this article. Usually, treatment is geared toward the accompanying complications of metabolic syndrome, such as hypercholesterolemia and diabetes. As metabolic syndrome is a problem of increasing significance, it is good to know that there are potential treatments available.

[Kto]

From the data I was able to gather on this product, Oligonol also appears to be a safe product to use. It was investigated in the acute and subchronic studies and genotoxicity assays and was found to be safe for human consumption. So, perhaps another step forward in our national battle with obesity and the diseases associated with this condition?

[Tam]

Oligonol’s Web site provides a number of indications for this product. According to the manufacturer, this product reduces post-exercise fatigue and reduces platelet reactivity, which in turn, should benefit the heart. It can also reduce number, size and depth of wrinkles and may improve blood circulation. I looked up studies manufacturers refer to, and even though all of them have significant limitations, it still appears to be a promising agent that can help deal with some of these problems at least, with very little risk of toxicity.

[Lychee]

I love lychee; it's a sweet and chewy desert. I wonder if original lychee fruits have the same effects on metabolic syndrome as above. I know lychee is well-known as a fruit with antioxidant properties, also filled with potassium, vitamin C and fibers that help with bowel movements. I'm curious about the active compounds of lychee involved with metabolic syndrome. Some studies have shown its anticancer effects, but substantial scientific support is lacking.

[TMP]

This is very interesting information. I looked over Oligonol’s Web site, and they list several indications. It seems very promising. The site doesn’t mention the species of lychee used for their product. According to other sites, there are several species. I assume the polyphenol content will be different for each type, but by how much?

I also wonder how this substance differs in its ability to treat/prevent metabolic syndrome like citrus flavonoids. The July 09 News and Review listed citrus flavonoids from grapefruit as a way to prevent metabolic syndrome. I wonder if the active component is similar in both fruits. I feel the common occurrence of metabolic syndrome warrants further research in this area.

[DF]

That’s good news about lychee. While an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise may be major lifestyle factors that contribute to metabolic syndrome, psychological issues may also play a role. A 2009 study by P. Heppner found that veterans with post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) are more likely to have metabolic syndrome than veterans without PTSD, even after the researchers controlled for depression and substance abuse. Also, a 2003 study by K. Raikkonen found that children and adolescents with high levels of hostility were more likely to develop metabolic syndrome than their less-hostile counterparts.

[Grace Caulfield]

Lychee is so good for you! It has an abundance of vitamin C, as well as other minerals like copper, phosphorus and potassium. Lychee is also high in polyphenols, which are extremely healthy for your heart!

[Mia]

The best thing to do for metabolic syndrome is to make changes in diet and exercise. Increasing the amount of exercise per week is important to having a healthy lifestyle. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables and whole grains are recommended. I would recommend people struggling with metabolic syndrome to go see nutritionists. It is an important first step to making a change.

[Laura]

I've never tried lychee before. With all this positive talk about it, I might start eating it. How do you eat is though? It looks prickly on the outside; do you have to peel it?

[karina]

What a beautiful and exotic looking fruit! I wonder how many whole lychee fruits I would have to eat in order to receive 200 mg of the Oligonol extract per day, as the control group subjects in the study received for 10 weeks straight. Would eating the entire fruit further assist with assimilation of the polyphenol? I shop at Whole Foods market and can't recall ever seeing the fruit there, which is entirely a pity.

Is the polyphenol compromised if the lychee is sprayed with pesticides? What is the standardized dose of Oligonol per capsule?

I am quite fascinated with this new study and look forward to seeing more information becoming available on the matter. Is this new product a quick fix, which could replace necessary steps in metabolic syndrome management, including diet and lifestyle modifications? This study answers many questions, but begs many more.

The high molecular weight of many polyphenols hinders their absorption by the body. However, the Maypro's affiliate supplier in Japan, Amino Up Chemical, has developed a production process that involves oligomerization, which shortens polyphenol polymers into monomers and oligomers for increased bioavailability.

[Samina]

Lychee is a great fruit, although unfortunately, it is not as readily available in the U.S. I believe it is only available in some grocery stores. If there is a strong correlation between Lychee consumption and metabolic syndrome, it would be extremely beneficial to the general public, as there seems to be a lack of treatment available for this syndrome.

[Nina]

Metabolic syndrome is not easily reversed unless patients are committed long-term to lifestyle and dietary changes. Lychee could assist patients to get back on track faster by loosing visceral fat and improving insulin resistance. The mechanism by which this fruit is helping patients to loose visceral fat would be very interesting to know.

[PP]

Lychee is a great exotic fruit for anyone, except for some who are allergic to exotic fruits. Here is information about lychee allergy: the protein called profilin was found in lychee fruit and other plants, and it is responsible for the patient's complex allergy syndrome. [FÄR et al. Anaphylactic reaction to lychee fruit: evidence for sensitization to profilin Clinical & Experimental Allergy 2006]. I wonder if Oilgonol contains profilin.

[Grace Caulfield]

I found this recipe for meatballs made with lychee, if anyone is interested.

Lychee Glazed Meatballs:
1/2 pound ground beef
1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup minced onion
1/8 cup milk, 1 egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 cup oil
1/2 cup (6 ounces) chili sauce
1/2cup Lychee Jam (available in our shopping cart)

Combine first nine ingredients, mixing well; shape into one-inch meatballs. Cook in oil over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until browned. Drain on paper towels.
Combine chili sauce and lychee jam in a medium saucepan; stir well. Add meatballs; simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

I found this one and others at: http://www.lycheesonline.com/recipes.cfm

[Yra]

We have heard a lot in the past and still hear every day about various remedies that should help with all of the problems that comprise metabolic syndrome. However, unless a person is really committed to a change and is ready to battle these issues, there is no miracle pills that will suddenly make that excess fat around the waist disappear or lower cholesterol and sugar levels. Lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, are the two proven remedies to overcome the syndrome, and if lychee can be of any assistance, that’s great; but eating the fruit and not doing anything else will not do the trick.

[Sa]

Lychee is a delicious, though rare, fruit. It would be great if more information could be provided about its potential medicinal uses.

[riley johnson]

This is awesome! My first experience with lychee fruit was having a blended cocktail made with it. I can only describe it as having a sort of "all-fruit" flavor, but also with a unique flavor all its own. If the results of this study really are true, and this fruit can aid in the battle against metabolic syndrome, I'll find other ways to incorporate this into my diet. It's absolutely delicious; just a little hard to find.

[rsamd]

I’m a bit skeptical to think that a fruit can help “treat” metabolic syndrome. How was the study truly controlled? Were the participants’ diets monitored? There seems to be too many confounding factors that could have affected the results to this study. The active chemical in lychee does seem to have some promising effects, so I would be interested in seeing more studies.

[Extremely Motivated]

The data extracted from this study are quite intriguing. Sadly though, this study is small, so it may be hard to draw firm conclusions. The developed world is at high risk for developing metabolic syndrome. Any therapies that could be developed would potentially decrease the risk of diabetes in our society and help decrease the cost of healthcare. Hopefully, the researchers continue testing these extracts!

[Jon Jansen]

Since stress is also a contributing factor for metabolic syndrome, stress reduction and proper sleep are important aspects to address.