Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is usually related to atherosclerosis and is considered to be the world’s largest killer, claiming 17.1 million lives a year according to WHO reports. An unhealthy diet is one of the major risk factor for CVD. Evidence from prospective cohort studies indicates that a high consumption of plant-based foods such as vegetables and fruits, grains, nuts and certain vegetable oils is associated with a significantly lower risk of CVD. The protective effects of these foods are probably mediated through beneficial nutrients contained in these foods, including mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids, n-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytosterols.

Aim: To assess the efficacy of Salvia sclarea (Ss, Hebrew: Marva Merushetet) seed oil in improving blood lipid profile. Ss oil contains 50% alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), as well as phytosterols, coenzyme- Q10, vitamin E and phytoprostans (nonenzymatically produced prostaglandin-like compounds).

Methods: 32 patients with symptoms or findings suggesting CVD who were referred to diagnostic Coronary Angiography were enrolled in this study. Patients received 6 capsules (6 grams) of pure and natural cold-pressed Ss seed oil daily in addition to standard therapy. Of note: 22 patients (70%) received statin therapy. Lipid profile was examined at baseline and after 3 months of treatment.
Results: There was a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol with treatment (37.6±4.8 mg% at baseline vs. 42.5±5.6 mg% at 3 months, p<0.05). Beneficial trends were observed in LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Conclusions: Consumption of Salvia sclarea seed oil, in addition to optimal medical therapy, has a beneficial effect on blood lipids, primarily elevating HDL-cholesterol. Further long-term studies are needed to assess hard cardiovascular endpoints