Slimpid May Boost Plasma IGF-1 Level and Improve the Quality of Life in Patients with Risk of Developing Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MS) may affect the quality of life (QOL) of patients, and possibly their plasma IGF-1 level. This study is to investigate whether the QOL would be improved and IGF-1 level elevated simultaneously by a Chinese herbal formula, Slimpid (Rhizoma Alismatis, Radix Paeoniae Alba, Semen Cassiae, Pericarpium Arecae, Fructus Crataegi and Astragalus membranaceus). Forty nine subjects with one or more risk factors of MS were divided into Group A (n = 24) and Group B (n = 25) randomly in a double-blinded arrangement. The Chinese Quality of Life Instrument(1) and plasma IGF-1 were engaged as the measure outcomes. Significant improvement in stamina (P < 0.05) of test subjects at the 6th week and in complexion (P < 0.05) and stamina (P < 0.001) at the 12th week after administration of Slimpid were observed. No such changes were observed in the placebo group. Serum IGF-1 level of the test subjects increased significantly (P < 0.05) from the 6th week to the 12th week. No such change was observed in the placebo group. In conclusion, Slimpid may be able to improve QOL of subjects associated with MS. The delayed increase in IGF-1 might contribute partially to the improvements of QOL of the test subjects.