Pistachios for Inflammation

Overseen By Alexandra Hanlon, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Disqualifiers: Smoking, Pregnancy, Nut allergy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 6 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if consuming 1.5 ounces of pistachios daily can lower inflammation and increase lean body mass. It will compare two groups: one consuming pistachios and one not. The focus is on men and women aged 40 to 60 who exercise three to five times a week. Participants should not be on a weight loss program or regularly consume pistachios. This study could offer a tasty way to boost health for active individuals. As an unphased trial, it provides an opportunity for participants to contribute to innovative nutritional research that could enhance health and wellness.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on diet and exercise habits, so you may not need to change your medications, but it's best to confirm with the study coordinators.

Is there any evidence suggesting that pistachio consumption is safe?

Past studies have shown that pistachios offer health benefits, particularly for heart health and reducing inflammation. Research suggests that eating pistachios can protect against oxidative stress, a condition where harmful molecules damage cells in the body.

Participants have generally tolerated pistachios well in these studies, with no major reports of negative effects. This is promising for those considering joining a trial involving pistachio consumption. However, as with any food, awareness of allergies or individual reactions is important. Overall, pistachios have a track record of being safe and beneficial in human studies. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about pistachio consumption as a treatment for inflammation because it's a natural and simple alternative to conventional medications like NSAIDs, which can have significant side effects with long-term use. Pistachios are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, which may help reduce inflammation by targeting oxidative stress and improving lipid profiles. Unlike standard pharmaceuticals, pistachios offer a dietary approach that may integrate seamlessly into a healthy lifestyle, potentially reducing inflammation with fewer adverse effects.

What evidence suggests that pistachio consumption might be an effective treatment for inflammation?

Studies have shown that eating pistachios may help reduce inflammation. Research in mice found that pistachios improved signs of inflammation. Pistachios contain natural compounds called polyphenols, which help fight inflammation and protect cells. Another study showed that a diet rich in pistachios improved some signs of inflammation and cell damage in humans. In this trial, participants in the pistachio group will consume 1.5 ounces of pistachios daily for 6 months to evaluate their potential effectiveness in lowering inflammation in people. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Stella L Volpe, PhD

Principal Investigator

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for men and women aged 40-60 who are moderately active, exercising 3-5 days a week. It aims to see if eating pistachios affects inflammation and muscle mass.

Inclusion Criteria

Non-smokers

Not on an active weight loss program at the start of the study or any time during the study

I am between 40 and 60 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Already consuming one or more ounces of pistachios several times a week

Unwilling to sign the informed consent document

Pregnant or lactating women

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Run-in

Participants consume their typical diet to assess participation prior to randomization

2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants are randomized to consume 1.5 ounces of pistachios per day or no pistachios for six months

6 months

2 visits (in-person) at 3 and 6 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in inflammatory markers and lean body mass

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Pistachio Consumption

Trial Overview Participants will either eat 1.5 ounces of pistachios daily or none at all for six months to study the effects on inflammatory markers and lean body mass.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Arm 1: Pistachio group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive 1.5 ounces of pistachios to consume every day for 6 months. We will provide them a 3-month supply of pistachios, and they will receive another 3-month supply when they come in for their 3-month study visit (blood draw).

Group II: Arm 2: No pistachio group Active Control 1 Intervention

This group will not get any pistachios.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

162

Recruited

26,900+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Pistachio oil and its organic extract significantly reduce the expression of inflammation-related genes, particularly the Ifit-2 gene, in a mouse macrophage cell line, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory properties.

The study found that bioactive compounds in pistachio oil, such as linoleic acid and beta-sitosterol, can replicate this anti-inflammatory effect, indicating that these components may be responsible for the observed gene regulation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of pistachio oil on gene expression of IFN-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 2: a biomarker of inflammatory response. Zhang, J., Kris-Etherton, PM., Thompson, JT., et al.[2020]

Polyphenol extracts from both natural raw (NP) and roasted salted (RP) pistachios show significant anti-inflammatory effects at lower doses than previously reported, as demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo models.

In an in vivo rat model, NP treatment significantly reduced paw damage and inflammation caused by carrageenan, indicating that pistachio polyphenols may provide protective antioxidant benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Potential of Pistachios (Pistacia vera L.) In Vitro and In Vivo. Paterniti, I., Impellizzeri, D., Cordaro, M., et al.[2018]

Chronic intake of pistachios in high-fat diet-fed mice significantly reduced inflammation markers such as TNF-α and IL-1β, indicating that pistachios may help combat obesity-related inflammation.

Pistachio supplementation improved gut microbiota composition by increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful ones, which may enhance gut barrier function and contribute to overall health benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pistachio Consumption Alleviates Inflammation and Improves Gut Microbiota Composition in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet. Terzo, S., Mulè, F., Caldara, GF., et al.[2020]

Pistachios are a nutrient-rich nut with a healthier profile than many others, providing monounsaturated fats, protein, fiber, vitamins C and E, and important phytochemicals that may help prevent diseases like cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.

Research indicates that pistachio consumption positively affects lipid and glucose levels, endothelial function, oxidative stress, and inflammation, while also showing potential benefits for gut microbiota, suggesting they could be a valuable addition to a healthy diet.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Why Should Pistachio Be a Regular Food in Our Diet? Mateos, R., Salvador, MD., Fregapane, G., et al.[2022]

Pistachios are rich in nutrients and phytochemicals, including protein, fiber, and polyphenols, which contribute to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as shown in various studies.

Regular consumption of pistachios may support cognitive function, improve gut health, and potentially aid in glucose regulation, suggesting they could be beneficial for managing type 2 diabetes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pistachio Nuts (Pistacia vera L.): Production, Nutrients, Bioactives and Novel Health Effects. Mandalari, G., Barreca, D., Gervasi, T., et al.[2022]

A hydrophilic extract from Sicilian pistachios demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects in a macrophage model, suppressing key inflammatory markers like nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-α without causing cytotoxicity.

Polymeric proanthocyanidins were identified as the main bioactive components responsible for these effects, potentially working through the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway, which is crucial in regulating inflammation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Polymeric proanthocyanidins from Sicilian pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) nut extract inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 cells. Gentile, C., Allegra, M., Angileri, F., et al.[2021]

Pistacia lentiscus oil demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects in a rat model of colitis, improving body mass, reducing bleeding, and decreasing diarrhea compared to control rats.

The oil was most effective when administered preventively before colitis induction, leading to better histological outcomes, such as reduced intestinal erosion and inflammation, suggesting it may modify arachidonic acid metabolism to exert its protective effects.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Preventive and curative effect of Pistacia lentiscus oil in experimental colitis. Naouar, MS., Mekki, LZ., Charfi, L., et al.[2017]

Citations

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Pistachio Nuts (Pistacia vera L.): Production, Nutrients ... The results showed that pistachio consumption decreased inflammation in obese mice and determined positive effects on the gut microbiota's ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6981517/

Pistachio Consumption Alleviates Inflammation and ... The results of the present study showed that regular pistachio consumption improved inflammation in obese mice. The positive effects could be ...

3. centerwatch.com centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/NCT06342024/pistachio-consumption-on-inflammatory-markers-and-lean-body-mass

Pistachio Consumption on Inflammatory Markers and Lean ... It is hypothesized that pistachio consumption will significantly lower inflammatory response and significantly increase lean body mass. This ...

4. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/8/915

The Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Potential of ... These data demonstrated that, at lower doses, polyphenols present in pistachios possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This may contribute toward ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899900709002470

Effect of pistachio diet on lipid parameters, endothelial ... In this trial, we demonstrated that a pistachio diet improved blood glucose level, endothelial function, and some indices of inflammation and oxidative status ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10181398/

Believe It or 'Nut': Why It Is Time to Set the Record Straight on ... Pistachio nuts (Pistacia vera L.) are tree nuts with epidemiological and clinical studies increasingly reporting positive health outcomes ...

7. americanpistachios.org americanpistachios.org/research-archives/antioxidants-research

Pistachios and Antioxidants Pistachio intake has been shown to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. This study investigated if pistachio polyphenol extracts have anti- ...

8. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/357275487_Pistachio_Nuts_Pistacia_vera_L_Production_Nutrients_Bioactives_and_Novel_Health_Effects

(PDF) Pistachio Nuts (Pistacia vera L.): Production ... Epidemiological and clinical studies have indicated positive outcomes related to tree nut consumption. Here, we review the production, ...