A Fraxinus excelsior L. seeds/fruits extract benefits glucose homeostasis and adiposity related markers in elderly overweight/obese subjects: A longitudinal, randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled nutritional intervention study

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the potential benefits of an extract obtained from seeds/fruits of an Oleaceae ( Fraxinus excelsior L.) on glucose homeostasis and associated metabolic markers in non-diabetic overweight/obese subjects. Materials and methods This study was performed in 22 participants (50–80 years-old; BMI 31.0 kg/m 2 ). The design was a longitudinal, randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled 7-week nutritional intervention. The participants received daily 3 capsules each containing either 333 mg of an extract from Fraxinus excelsior L. seeds (Glucevia ® ) or placebo capsules (control) in a random order for 3 weeks with 1 week of washout between treatments. Moreover, they followed a balanced covert energy-restricted diet (−15% energy). All variables were measured at the beginning and at the end of each period. Results Compared to baseline, the administration of 1 g of Glucevia ® for 3 weeks resulted in significantly lower incremental glucose area under the curve (−28.2%; p p ® groups with respect to serum fructosamine and plasma glucagon levels ( p p ® significantly increased the adiponectin:leptin ratio ( p p p Conclusion The administration of an extract from Fraxinus excelsior L. seeds/fruits in combination with a moderate hypocaloric diet may be beneficial in metabolic disturbances linked to impaired glucose tolerance, obesity, insulin resistance and inflammatory status, specifically in older adults.