Hibiscus sabdariffa extract lowers blood pressure and improves endothelial function

Polyphenols from Hibiscus sabdariffa calices were administered to patients with metabolic syndrome (125 mg/kg/day for 4 wk, n = 31) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (125 or 60 mg/kg in a single dose or daily for 1 wk, n = 8 for each experimental group). The H. sabdariffa extract improved metabolism, displayed potent anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and significantly reduced blood pressure in both humans and rats. Diuresis and inhibition of the angiotensin I‐converting enzyme were found to be less important mechanisms than those related to the antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and endothelium‐dependent effects to explain the beneficial actions. Notably, polyphenols induced a favorable endothelial response that should be considered in the management of metabolic cardiovascular risks.

Source: Molecular Nutrition - February 24, 2014 Category: Nutrition Authors: Jorge Joven, Isabel March, Eugenia Espinel, Salvador Fernández‐Arroyo, Esther Rodríguez‐Gallego, Gerard Aragonès, Raúl Beltrán‐Debón, Carlos Alonso‐Villaverde, Lidia Rios, Vicente Martin‐Paredero, Javier A. Menendez, Vicente Micol, Antonio Tags: Food & Function Source Type: research