This study will examine effects of aqueous extract of black barberry fruit on clinical signs, some inflammatory factors, glycemic profile, lipid profile, blood pressure and percent of body fat in patients with active RA referring to Shariaty Hospital. In a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial, 80 patients, aged between 18-69 years old with active RA after rheumatologist examination and filling personal, medical and food questionnaires will be enrolled in the study. They will be divided in 2 groups (40 numbers in each group) including: 1- Black barberry consumers (case) and 2-Placebo consumers (control) randomly. Patients in case group will receive 2000 mg of aqueous extract of black barberry daily (by two 1000 mg capsules) for 3 months and control patients will receive 2000 mg maltodextrin daily (by two 1000mg capsules) , one 1000 mg capsule before lunch and one before dinner respectively for 3 months. Placebo capsules are completely similar to the others and will be given randomly to Patients. Patients will be control by calling weekly and visiting monthly. for comparing two groups before and after the 3 months intervention period these tests will be operated on them:
hs-CRP, TNF α, ESR, FBS, TC, TG, LDL, HDL
clinical signs, blood pressure, body fat percent, BMI and waist circumference will be assessed too.