Effects of D-003 (sugarcane wax acids) on the physical exercise on static bicycle test

Physical inactivity and low maximal exercise oxygen consumption (VO2max) are predictors of mortality and coronary events in adults, respectively. Lowering serum cholesterol and platelet aggregation benefits cardiovascular function in aging persons. D-003, a mixture of sugarcane wax acids, exhibits antiplatelet and cholesterol-lowering effects, and could benefit the performance of middle-aged and older subjects in effort tests. This randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of D-003 (10 mg/day) for 12 weeks on the effort test in the static bicycle and the health status of 50 subjects (50-70 years old). Compared with baseline and placebo, D-003 improved significantly VO2 max values, pain/discomfort and health perception EuroQoL scores, and the cardiovascular capacity assessed by the Specific Activity Scale. Also, D-003 displayed cholesterol-lowering effects versus placebo, being well tolerated. There were no study withdrawals. Concluding, D-003 improved VO2 max values in the effort test, lipid profile, health perception and cardiovascular status of study subjects.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of chondroitin plus glucosamine and D-002 (beeswax alcohols) in subjects with osteoarthritis symptoms

Background/AIMS: Osteoarthritis (OA), the commonest joint disorder, is a leading cause of disability. Symptomatic slow-acting drugs for OA (SYSADOA), particularly glucosamine plus chondroitin sulphate (GS/CS), are effective for symptom relief, protect joint cartilage and delay OA progression, with a good safety profile. D-002, a mixture of beeswax alcohols that inhibits both cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase activities, has been effective in experimental and clinical OA studies, showing also a chondroprotective effect.OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of D-002 and GS/SC administered for 12 weeks on OA symptoms.METHODS: Participants were randomized to GS/CS (375/300 mg) or 50?mg D-002 once daily for 12 weeks. Symptoms were assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Individual Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the visual analogy scale (VAS) scores. The primary outcome was the reduction of the total WOMAC score. Secondary outcomes included WOMAC pain, stiffness and function scores, VAS score and rescue medication consumption.RESULTS: Of 60 randomized patients, 59 completed the study. D-002 and GS/SC reduced significantly total WOMAC score (72.1% and 78.5%, respectively), and pain, joint stiffness and physical function scores versus baseline. VAS scores decreased significantly with D-002 (76.6%) and GS/SC (76.8%). The reductions, significant from the second week, were enhanced over the trial. Rescue medications were consumed by 3/30 D-002 and 4/30 GS/SC patients. No differences between groups were found. Treatments were well tolerated.CONCLUSIONS: D-002 (50 mg/day) administered for 12 weeks was safe and comparable to GS/SC for alleviating OA symptoms (pain, stiffness, and functional limitation) (RPCEC00000180).</h4

Comparison of the antioxidant effects of D-002 (beeswax alcohols) and grape seed extract (GSE) on plasma oxidative variables in healthy subjects

Increased oxidative stress is implicated in several diseases. D-002, a mixture of six higher aliphatic alcohols purified from beeswax, and grape seed extract (GSE) (rich in flavonoids), have been shown antioxidant effects. This randomised, double-blinded study compared the effects of both substances on plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), total hydroxyperoxides (TOH), carbonyl groups (CG) and blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) in healthy volunteers. Fifty eligible subjects were randomized to D-002 (50 mg/day) or GSE (85 mg proanthocianydine/day) for 8 weeks. Both D-002 and GSE reduced significantly plasma MDA (30.0% and 34.0%, respectively), TOH (31.6% and 34.0%, respectively) and CG (21.4% and 14.3 %, respectively), but unchanged SOD. No significant differences between groups were found. Both treatments were well tolerated. No subject dropped out because of adverse experiences (AE). Then, D-002 and GSE administered for 8 weeks were similarly effective for lowering plasma markers of lipid and protein oxidation, and similarly safe.Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire