OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of malunggay leaf capsules on LDL (primary efficacy outcome measure); weight, BMI, FBS, serum glucose 2 hours after a 75 g oral glucose load, cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides (secondary efficacy outcome measures); creatinine, ALT and CBC (secondary safety outcome measures); and to determine if these are associated with adverse events.

STUDY DESIGN: randomized controlled trial

PARTICIPANTS: Seventy nine Filipinos, 18-55 years old with LDL>2.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) but of low cardiovascular risk were randomized into malunggay and placebo groups.

INTERVENTION: Malunggay capsules for 30 days versus placebo

RESULTS: 33 and 35 participants in the malunggay and placebo groups, respectively, completed the treatment. There was a reduction of 13.76 mg/dL in the LDL of the malunggay group, compared to a 19.28 mg/dL reduction in the placebo group (p=0.564).

CONCLUSION: Malunggay leaf capsules given for 30 days among adults with serum LDL >2.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) but with low cardiovascular risk decreased LDL levels to the same degree as placebo. There were no significant differences in the change in the secondary efficacy and safety outcome measures, and in the occurence of adverse events.