The Efficacy and Safety of the Chinese Herbal Formula, JTTZ, for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes with Obesity and Hyperlipidemia: A Multicenter Randomized, Positive-Controlled, Open-Label Clinical Trial

Background and Aim Studies have shown an increasing number of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with concomitant obesity and hyperlipidemia syndromes, resulting from relevant metabolic disorders. However, there are few medications and therapies, which can thoroughly address these issues. Therefore, the current study evaluated the efficacy and safety of using JTTZ, a Chinese herbal formula, to treat T2D with obesity and hyperlipidemia. Methods A total of 450 participants with T2D (HbA1c ≥ 7.0%; waist circumference ≥ 90 cm and 80 cm in males and females, resp.; and triglycerides (TG) ≥ 1.7 mmol/L) were randomly assigned, in equal proportions, to two groups in this multicenter randomized, positive-controlled, open-label trial. One group received JTTZ formula, and the other received metformin (MET) for 12 consecutive weeks. The primary efficacy outcomes were changes in HbA1c, TG, weight, and waist circumference. Adverse reactions and hypoglycemia were monitored. Results HbA1c decreased by 0.75 ± 1.32% and 0.71 ± 1.2% in the JTTZ and MET groups, respectively, after 12 weeks of treatment. TG levels in the JTTZ and MET groups were reduced by 0.64 ± 2.37 mmol/L and 0.37 ± 2.18 mmol/L, respectively. Weight was decreased by 2.47 ± 2.71 kg in the JTTZ group and by 2.03 ± 2.36 kg in the MET group. JTTZ also appeared to alleviate insulin resistance and increase HOMA-β. In addition, symptoms were significantly relieved in participants in the JTTZ group compared to those in the MET group. One case of hypoglycemia was reported in the MET group. No severe adverse events were reported in either group. Conclusions The JTTZ formula led to safe and significant improvements in the blood glucose, blood lipids, and weight levels; relieved symptoms; and enhanced β cell function for T2D patients with obesity and hyperlipidemia. The JTTZ formula has shown that it could potentially be developed as an alternative medicine for patients with T2D, particularly those who cannot tolerate metformin or other hypoglycemic drugs. This trial was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01471275.


Introduction
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex progressive metabolic disorder, which poses a significant threat to human health and accounts for more than 91% of all diabetes cases. In 2015, it was estimated that 415 million adults suffered from diabetes mellitus, representing 9.1% of the global adult population. China has the largest number of diabetes patients worldwide-up to 109 million [1]. In addition, with the modernization of lifestyles and changes in dietary habits, 60-70% of those with diabetes also have obesity and 70-80% have hyperlipidemia [2,3]. T2D patients with concomitant obesity and hyperlipidemia have more difficulty in controlling blood sugar levels, a higher risk of cardiovascular events, and a higher incidence of mortality [4].
Treatments for T2D are aimed at balancing the antihyperglycemic efficacy, risk of inducing hypoglycemia, risk of weight gain, tolerability, and other adverse effects. When diabetes is associated with obesity and hyperlipidemia, it is recommended that the algorithm for the comprehensive management of T2D be used [5]. However, studies have shown that, in addition to having side effects, synthetic drugs cannot effectively control glucose levels in some patients [6][7][8]. Furthermore, for those with multiple metabolic disorders, comprehensive and effective treatments are sorely lacking [9].
In previous studies, Chinese herbal medicines have been shown to effectively reduce blood glucose [10][11][12]. However, few studies have been conducted examining the used-alone effects of the traditional Chinese formula on those with T2D and concomitant abdominal obesity and hyperlipidemia. JTTZ formula is derived from a classical formula-Dahuang Huanglian Xiexin Decoction, which was recorded in the Treatise on Febrile Diseases (Han Dynasty, 200 AD) and used for stomach heat syndrome in ancient China. We have used JTTZ formula in our clinical application for thousands of patients, which was satisfying in lowering blood glucose, blood lipids, and weight levels. In the current study, the preliminary efficacy and safety of the JTTZ formula were evaluated for the treatment of T2D with obesity and hyperlipidemia and were also compared to those of the first-line antidiabetic oral agent, metformin.

Materials and Methods
2.1. Study Design. The research was a multicenter randomized, positive-controlled, open-label clinical trial, which included a 4-week screening period and a 12-week treatment period. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Guang'anmen Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (number eighty-sixth 2011) and was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Participants were recruited by nine branch centers, and all participants signed informed consents before the study. The registration number is NCT01471275.

Subject Enrollment.
Patients were diagnosed with T2D via fasting plasma glucose (FPG) tests and 75 g oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT). Hyperlipidemia and obesity were diagnosed via measurements of triglyceride level (TG) and waist circumference (WC).

Exclusion
Criteria. The exclusion criteria are as follows: (1) patients who had used insulin therapy or previously undergone continuous treatment for diabetes lasting 3 months or longer, including Chinese and western medicine, physical therapy, psychological therapy, and health food; (2) patients who received hypoglycemic or hypolipidemic medication within the previous month; (3) patients with diabetic complications (serious heart, lung, liver, kidney, or brain complications) or patients with diabetes accompanied by other serious primary diseases; (4) a systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 100 mmHg; (5) patients that had diabetic ketosis, diabetic ketoacidosis, or severe infections within the previous month; (6) patients with psychiatric disease; (7) patients who were pregnant, who were planning to become pregnant, or who were breast-feeding; (8) patients who were allergic to the JTTZ formula or any of its major components or who had allergic constitutions; (9) patients involved in other clinical trials currently or within the previous month; (10) alcohol abuse and/or use of psychoactive substances or drug abuse and dependency within the past 5 years; (11) patients who were less likely to complete the study, according to the researcher's judgment, such as those being lost to follow-up due to frequent changes in work or living environments; (12) fluctuating dosage and category of antihypertensive drugs; (13) patients taking diet pills or health food that had an effect on body weight; (14) patients with impaired liver and renal function (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 2 times greater than the upper limit of normal and serum creatinine (Cr) greater than the upper limit of normal); and (15) patients that had asymptomatic hypoglycemia.

Power Calculation.
The dose selection of metformin follows the "small starting dose" principle [13] and the direction for use of metformin hydrochloride enteric-coated tablets. Based on the literature, after removal of the placebo effect, the HbA1c level generally reduced to 0.7% by treatment using 750 mg/d metformin for 12 weeks of intervention [14,15]. Thus, we need to enroll 180 subjects per group to ensure a 5% alpha level and an 80% power. By considering factors such as dropouts, 225 subjects were recruited per group.

Withdrawal Criteria.
(1) Participants experienced specific physiological changes or serious diabetic complications (such as diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome, lactic acidosis, and hypoglycemic coma). (2) Participants had poor compliance, with test medication use less than 80% or more than 120% of the prescribed dose. (3) Participants had violated the protocol (e.g., taking another oral hypoglycemic agent). (4) Participants withdrew from the study voluntarily. Participants had the right to withdraw from the trial voluntarily, according to the informed consent. Reasons for withdrawal were noted as much as possible, and the efficacy and any adverse reactions were recorded. The manufacturer was not involved in the design or analysis of this study. The granules were packed into individual bags. Participants in the JTTZ group took the granules orally 2 times per day, at mealtimes. The method of taking the medication is just like drinking an instant coffee: put the granules into a cup, and then pour some hot water and stir well.
Participants in the control group received metformin hydrochloride enteric-coated tablets, which were all provided and quality controlled by Beijing Liling Hengtai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (Approval number: H11021560; Batch number: 110508). Participants in the control group took 0.25 g metformin tablets orally 3 times per day. Participants in both groups underwent treatment for 12 weeks.
2.4. Chemical Analysis of the JTTZ Formula. The chemical composition of the JTTZ formula was analyzed using highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The separation was carried out on a Merck Chromolith RP-18e column (4.6 × 100 mm inner diameter). For HPLC analysis, a 5 μL test sample was injected into the column and eluted at a constant flow rate of 2 mL/min. Water with 0.02% phosphoric acid (mobile phase A) and acetonitrile (mobile phase B) was used. Composition was determined at a wavelength of 237 nm. The JTTZ formula powder was dissolved in methanol. All solutions were filtered through 0.45 μm nylon membrane Millex syringe filters before use. Chemical structures of the eight major compounds (mangiferin, coptisine hydrochloride, jatrorrhizine hydrochloride, salvianolic acid B, aloin, berberine hydrochloride, palmatine hydrochloride, and lovastatin) were identified in the finished dose. Representative chromatograms of the JTTZ formula and the single granule and chemical structures of the major compounds are shown in Figure 1.

Evaluation of Efficacy.
The primary efficacy outcomes were changes in HbA1c, TG, weights, and WC. Secondary efficacy outcomes were the target achievement rates for HbA1c and TG; changes in FPG, 2 h PG, insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), β cell function index (HOMA-β), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), body mass index (BMI), and hip circumferences (HC); and symptom scores of the participants. Measurements of FPG, weight, WC, and HC were done every 4 weeks; other assessments were performed before and after the 12-week treatment phase.
Evaluation of 2 h PG was done using a standard 75 g OGTT. Body mass index (kg/m 2 ) was calculated according to height and weight. Plasma insulin level was measured, and the homeostatic model assessment was performed to quantify HOMA-IR and HOMA-β.
The remaining whole blood was collected at the branch center, after monitoring of HbA1c. The remaining serum was collected and tested again at the central laboratory, after blood lipid levels were tested at the branch center. Serum insulin was collected and tested at the central laboratory. Specimens unable to be transported to the central laboratory within 24 hours were frozen at −20°C and cold chain transport of unification.
2.6. Participant Symptom Scores. Symptoms of gastrointestinal excess heat syndrome are thoracoabdominal distension, abdominal fullness, constipation, dry and bitter mouth, foul breath, thirst, drinking cold water, increased eating with rapid hunger, red tongue with yellow coating, and powerful and rapid pulse. The main symptoms reported were abdominal distension and fullness, as well as constipation. Each symptom was divided into 4 levels and scored as 0, 2, 4, and 6 (with 6 being the most severe). Secondary symptoms were other symptoms of gastrointestinal excess heat syndrome. Tongue and pulse presentations were divided into 2 categories (0 being no and 2 being yes), and the rest of the symptoms were divided into 4 levels and were quantified as scores 0, 1, 2, and 3 (3 being the most severe).
2.7. Evaluation of Safety. Vital signs; routine blood, urine, and stool samples; electrocardiograms; and liver and renal function (ALT, AST, Cr, and BUN) were all used to evaluate safety. Safety indexes were tested every 4 weeks. Hypoglycemia is divided into severe hypoglycemia and nonsevere hypoglycemia. Severe hypoglycemia refers to a disturbance of consciousness that requires help from others. Neurological symptoms are significantly improved or disappeared after hypoglycemia has been corrected. Nonsevere hypoglycemia refers to diabetic patients with blood glucose levels ≤ 3.9 mmol/L after taking medication, which may have hypoglycemia symptoms, but no disturbance of consciousness [16]. Adverse events and the occurrence of hypoglycemia were recorded and managed, and correlations with the medications were analyzed. The safety procedures were in place when the local Medical Ethics Commission in China approved the proposal. The Data and Safety Monitoring Board was responsible for the oversight of all issues related to the safety of the study subjects.

Random
Design. An Interactive Web Response System designed by the Clinical Evaluation Center of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences was used in this study to produce a random code for the trial group and control group in equal proportions. Each participant was assigned a random number, and the drugs were distributed according to the number. Case report forms were obtained at the end of the experiment, and the data were analyzed by an independent third-party statistical agency.
2.9. Statistical Analysis. Data was entered using the Epi-Data3.1 software (EpiData Association, Odense, Denmark). Data was analyzed using the SPSS 20.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Measurement data is described as mean ± standard deviation. A t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to analyze differences between two groups. In each group, changes between baseline (before treatment) and posttreatment (end of the study) were analyzed using a comparative t-test; the primary endpoints were compared using a covariance analysis model with the baseline as the covariate. Enumeration data was described using frequency. Changes, which occurred during the period before and after the treatment, were compared using the CMH χ 2 test; the incidences of adverse events between the two groups were compared by the CMH χ 2 test or Fisher exact probability test. All statistical tests were two-sided. A significance level of 5% was used, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Results
A total of 12252 subjects underwent initial screening. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, after a 4week screening period (diet and exercise therapy), 450 subjects were enrolled and randomly divided into the trial group (JTTZ; n = 225) and the control group (metformin (MET); n = 225). In the JTTZ group, 216 subjects completed the study and 215 were included in the PPS analysis. In the MET group, 212 subjects completed the study and 199 were included in the PPS analysis ( Figure 2).

3.1.
Baseline. The baseline characteristics of the subjects are shown in Table 1. The values showed no differences between groups.

Effectiveness
3.2.1. Effects on the Change of HbA1c and TG Levels. At week 12, the HbA1c levels (%) in the JTTZ and MET groups were 7.51 ± 1.44 and 7.57 ± 1.42, respectively. HbA1c level was significantly lower in both groups, compared to that at baseline (P < 0 001), with a 0.75 ± 1.32 reduction (95% CI = 0.58-0.93) in the JTTZ group and a 0.71 ± 1.2 reduction (95% CI = 0.54-0.87) in the MET group. At week 12, the TG levels (mmol/L) in the JTTZ group and MET groups were 2.79 ± 1.86 and 2.82 ± 1.91, respectively. The level was significantly reduced by 0.64 ± 2.37 (P < 0 001) in the JTTZ group and by 0.37 ± 2.18 (P < 0 05) in the MET group, compared to that at baseline. The 95% CI was 0.32-0.96 in the JTTZ group and 0.06-0.67 in the MET group (Table 2, Figure 3).

Effects on HbA1c
Target Achievement Rate and the Levels of Glucose. The HbA1c value in 45.1% (97/215) of the subjects in the JTTZ group and 42.7% (85/199) in the MET group achieved the target, using HbA1c ≤ 7.0% as the target achievement. There was no statistical difference between the two groups (CMH χ 2 = 0.039; P = 0 843). The FPG levels (mmol/L) in the JTTZ and MET groups were 8.24 ± 2.35 and 8.21 ± 2.23, respectively, at week 12. The level was significantly reduced by 1.4 ± 2.4 in the JTTZ group and by 1.33 ± 2.33 in the MET group compared to that at baseline (P < 0 001).
The 2 h PG levels (mmol/L) in the JTTZ and MET groups were 14.52 ± 4.73 and 14.83 ± 4.32, respectively, at week 12. The level was significantly reduced by 2.42 ± 4.53 in the JTTZ group and by 2.18 ± 4.48 in the MET group (P < 0 001) (Table 2, Figure 3).

Effects on TG Target Achievement
Rate and the Levels of TC and LDL-C. The TG value in 27.4% (59/215) of the subjects in the JTTZ group and 27.1% (54/199) of the subjects in the MET group achieved the target, when using TG ≤ 1.7 mmol/L as the target achievement. There was no statistical difference between the two groups (CMH χ 2 = 0.035, P = 0 852).
The TC levels (mmol/L) in the JTTZ and MET groups were 5.06 ± 1.00 and 5.21 ± 1.00, respectively, at week 12. The level was significantly reduced by 0.39 ± 0.99 in the JTTZ group and by 0.36 ± 1.16 in the MET group (P < 0 001), compared to that at baseline.
The LDL-C levels (mmol/L) in the JTTZ and MET groups were 2.92 ± 0.73 and 2.98 ± 0.76, respectively, at week 12. Compared with the baseline, both groups had a very significant difference, respectively (P < 0 001). The reduced levels of LDL-C showed no obvious differences between the two groups (Table 2, Figure 3).

Effects on Weight, BMI, Waist Circumference, and Hip
Circumference. Table 2 and Figure 3 show the levels and changes in weight, BMI, waist circumference, and hip circumference at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12. Compared with the baseline, both groups had a very significant difference at week 12 (P < 0 001). The JTTZ group decreased more than did the MET group in each project; however, there was no obvious difference between the changes (Table 2, Figure 3).

3.2.5.
Effects on HOMA-IR and HOMA-β. At week 12, the HOMA-IR levels in the JTTZ and MET groups were 1.39 ± 0.68 and 1.35 ± 0.67, respectively. The level was significantly reduced by 0.19 ± 0.91 in the JTTZ group (P < 0 01)     Figure 3: Changes in the T2D levels, hyperlipidemia levels, obesity levels, and pancreatic islet function levels of participants receiving JTTZ formula and metformin. Data presented as mean ± SE. * P < 0 05, * * P < 0 01, and * * * P < 0 001. and by 0.16 ± 0.82 (P < 0 05) in the MET group, compared to that at baseline. The HOMA-β levels in the JTTZ and MET groups were 3.95 ± 0.76 and 3.91 ± 0.73, respectively, at week 12. Compared with the baseline, both groups had a very significant difference, respectively (P < 0 001). The increased levels of HOMA-β showed no obvious differences between the two groups (Table 2, Figure 3).
3.2.6. Effects on Participant Symptoms. Participant symptom score level in the JTTZ and MET groups were 5.80 ± 4.05 and 8.57 ± 4.40, respectively, at week 12. The level was reduced by 5.23 ± 4.20 in the JTTZ group and by 2.21 ± 4.11 in the MET group, compared to that at baseline (P < 0 001). The 95% CI was 4.67-5.80 in the JTTZ group and 1.64-2.79 in the MET group. The level decreased significantly more in the JTTZ group than in the MET group (P < 0 001).
After the 12-week treatment, the following symptoms had improved more in the JTTZ group than in the MET group: thoracoabdominal distension, constipation, bitter mouth, halitosis, increased eating with rapid hunger, red tongue and yellow tongue coating, and powerful and rapid pulse (P < 0 05). Comparison of symptom scores and symptom disappearance rates is shown in Table 3 and Figure 4.

Safety Evaluation.
No severe adverse events were reported during the trial. Thirteen nonsevere adverse events (6.0%) were reported in the JTTZ group, and nine nonsevere adverse events (4.5%) were reported in the MET group (P = 0 490). There were two cases of transient slight ALT and AST elevation in the both groups. One case of nonsevere hypoglycemia was reported in the MET group. No abnormal ECGs, renal function tests (serum creatinine), or routine blood tests were observed during the trial.

Discussion
Metformin is a very effective antihyperglycemic and is recommended as a first-line choice for the treatment of T2D [5]. In addition, metformin promotes weight loss, as well as a modest decrease in blood lipid levels [17][18][19], and has robust cardiovascular safety [20,21]. However, some patients cannot tolerate the gastrointestinal-related side effects of metformin [22]. The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events associated with 500 mg/d and 1000 mg/d metformin is about 15% and 28%, respectively [14,23]. It has also been suggested that metformin be stopped when estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 due to the risk of lactic acidosis [24,25]. Furthermore, metformin may lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency [26,27].
In this current study, after 12-week treatment, significant reductions in blood glucose, blood lipid, and weight levels were observed in both the JTTZ formula group and the metformin group. The HbA1c level was decreased by 0.75% in the JTTZ group, which had no obvious difference when compared to the MET group with a 0.71% reduction. Compared to baseline, both groups had significant improvements in HOMA-β levels and decreases in HOMA-IR levels. The TG levels were significantly reduced by 0.64 mmol/L in the JTTZ group and by 0.37 mmol/L in the MET group. Weight levels in the JTTZ and MET groups were decreased by 2.47 kg and 2.03 kg, respectively. Although there was no significant difference between the changes, using the JTTZ formula provided a greater reduction than using metformin in progression. Furthermore, in contrast to metformin, the JTTZ formula significantly improved patient symptoms. One case of hypoglycemia was reported in the MET group, and both groups had no severe adverse events.
Previous studies demonstrated that many active ingredients in the traditional Chinese medicine formula, JTTZ, can also effectively manage diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia. Some researchers have shown that mangiferin in Rhizoma Anemarrhenae has a positive effect on weight loss, lowering blood sugar and fat, decreasing arteriosclerosis, and improving cardiovascular complications [28][29][30]. Berberine in Rhizoma has been shown to reduce HbA1c by 1%, TG by 0.9 mmol/L, and TC by 0.96 mmol/L after 3 months of treatment [31]. Aloe vera gel extract resulted in a reduction in fasting blood glucose, hepatic transaminases, plasma and tissue cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, and phospholipids in diabetic rats after 21 days of treatment [32]. Moreover, Salvia miltiorrhiza has cardiovascular protective effects, and Schisandra chinensis has antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects [33,34].
A comprehensive management of glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors such as lipids and weight is crucial [35,36]. This study indicates that the JTTZ formula safely and effectively reduced blood sugar levels, lowered blood lipid levels, promoted weight loss, enhanced β cell function, and relieved symptoms. It may be used as an alternative medicine for those with T2D and concomitant obesity and hyperlipidemia, which is supposed to be paid more attention in the treatments of type 2 diabetes, particularly in patients who cannot tolerate metformin or other hypoglycemic drugs. The limitation of this study was that the 12-week duration of the trial was relatively short. Maybe longer-term observation and mechanism research will demonstrate the formula effects more clearly.

Conflicts of Interest
No competing financial interests exist.