Effects of Barberry Capsules on Serum Zinc and Copper in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome

Aim: In current study, we aimed to investigate the effects of barberry on serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in subjects with MetS, because of it are the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Methods: 106 Subjects were randomly assigned to 2 study groups: 1) A barberry group receiving capsules containing 600 mg barberry daily for 6 weeks (n=53); 2) Control group contained subjects taking one placebo capsule daily (n=53). Atomic absorption was used to measure serum zinc and copper. SOD activity was measured using a pyrogallol indirect spectrophotometric assay. Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference in changes in serum zinc between the barberry and placebo groups (p=0.620). There were significant differences in changes in serum copper between the 2 study groups (p<0.001). Moreover, there were significant differences in Zn/ Cu changes between the barberry and placebo groups (p=0.027). In addition, there were significant differences in changes in serum SOD1 between the study groups (p=0.077). Conclusion: The results of the current study showed that barberry supplementation (600mg daily) for 6 weeks can increase serum copper and SOD1 levels and decrease the Zn/Cu ratio in patients with MetS.