Plant monoterpenes do not raise plasma high-density-lipoprotein concentrations in humans

Low plasma concentrations of HDLs are associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Two uncontrolled studies suggested that plant monoterpenes may have substantial HDL-cholesterol-elevating activity in humans. Each study used a proprietary mixture of 6 monoterpenes in olive oil.

The present study was undertaken to test more rigorously the hypothesis that monoterpenes raise HDL concentrations in men with hypoalphalipoproteinemia.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design was used. Twenty-four men aged 58-68 y (x: 62.3 y) with plasma HDL cholesterol <1.1 mmol/L, plasma triacylglycerols <3.5 mmol/L, and plasma total cholesterol <5.5 mmol/L at recruitment were randomly assigned to 6 capsules daily of a proprietary mixture of 6 monoterpenes in olive oil or 6 capsules daily of olive oil alone for 24 wk, followed by a washout period of 8 wk, and then the alternative capsules for 24 wk.

Five men dropped out. In the others, compliance was excellent as judged by capsule counts and urinary menthol glucuronide concentrations. No significant effects were observed on plasma HDL-cholesterol or apolipoprotein A-I concentrations, nor on plasma triacylglycerol, LDL-cholesterol, or apolipoprotein B concentrations.

Plant monoterpenes have no HDL-elevating activity of potential value for coronary artery disease prevention.