USE OF NORDIHYDROGUAIARETIC ACID TO LOWER SERUM TRIGLYCERIDES, BLOOD PRESSURE AND TO TREAT SYNDROME X

摘要

The present invention is directed to formulations comprising nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and an amphiphilic vehicle. The present invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a formulation of the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention further provides methods for using NDGA, including but not limited to, the novel NDGA containing formulations and compositions of the present invention as agents to lower serum triglyceride, free fatty acid or glycerol level in animals. NDGA containing formulations and compositions can also be used as agents to lower free fatty acid levels in animals that have normal levels of glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol. The NDGA formulations can be used to lower blood pressure. The methods of the present invention can also be used to treat or ameliorate the characteristic manifestations of Syndrome X in a non-diabetic animal with normal serum glucose levels. This includes lowering of one or more of the following: serum insulin level, blood pressure, serum triglycerides and free fatty acid levels. The methods entail administering, to an animal in need of such treatment, an effetive amount of a composition whose active ingredient consists essentially of NDGA. The invention is also directed to methods of treatment using NDGA in conjunction with another hypolipidemic agent.