A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Randomized, Longitudinal Study on the Effects of a Plant-based Dietary Supplement on Nitric Oxide and Mitochondrial Metabolic Activity

During the past two decades, metabolic dysfunction and concomitant reduction-oxidation reaction (redox) imbalances (i.e., oxidative stress) have been suggested to be associated with numerous age-related chronic diseases. One profound result of metabolic imbalances is endothelial dysfunction, a pathophysiological condition that increases risk of downstream chronic disease consequences. Healthy endothelial function has been positively associated with elevated levels of circulating nitric oxide (NO). Consequently, a natural, plant-based material that may safely increase endogenous NO levels, reduce redox imbalance, and promote improved metabolic response could be of significant interest and benefit. In this first study of its kind, we conducted a longitudinal, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of S7, a proprietary polyphenol-rich fruit, vegetable, and herb-based material previously reported to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to increase NO. Specifically, we measured changes in real-time cellular generation of ROS and changes in levels of bioavailable NO (measured as circulating NOHb) in 42 overweight or slightly obese individuals who were recruited into one of three groups: placebo, 25mg of S7, and 50mg of S7. Results suggest that after 90 days of once-daily supplementation, the 25mg and 50mg S7 groups exhibited diminished mitochondrial ROS generation (~54% and ~75%, respectively) compared to placebo, which exhibited a slight increase (>12%) (p = 0.049). Furthermore, circulating NOHb levels significantly increased in the 25mg and 50mg S7 groups (33.87% and 53.43%, respectively) compared to placebo (p < 0.001). Together, these results suggest that long-term daily supplementation of S7 may provide potential benefits related to healthy endothelial function and reduced mitochondrial dysfunction.