This small-scale pilot study studied the potential benefit of taking a concentrated dose of anthocyanin 300 mg once a day for 3 weeks (purple corn extract) on blood pressure among untreated Peruvian adults with mild-to-moderate hypertension. A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized crossover trial using intention-to-treat analysis was conducted on 30 healthy men and women who received care at the Dos de Mayo Hospital (Lima, Peru) between September 2010 and August 2011. The 4-phase study compared blood pressure readings on placebo and on purple corn extract. Blood pressure readings decreased from baseline levels to end of study, especially after taking a purple corn extract capsule for 3 weeks, regardless of age, gender, body mass index level, or initial average blood pressure reading. Individuals who had higher blood pressure readings at baseline showed the most marked reduction in systolic and diastolic readings. Additional study of the possible mechanisms of action and the pharmacokinetics of purple corn extract warrants further investigation.

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Delusional misidentification syndromes and erotomania are rare entities, each with several distinct manifestations and no clearly defined treatment regimen. Here we expand upon an earlier literature review and describe the case of a 40-year-old woman with a history of bipolar I disorder who presented after an extended period of medication nonadherence with symptoms consistent with both of these conditions; she believed that the staff on the unit were in fact disguised celebrities and fictional characters, and she claimed to be married to a famous singer. The exact relationship of these symptoms (and indeed, even their basic etiologies) remains unclear; however, both delusional syndromes resolved with a combination of risperidone and lithium therapy. Although earlier literature has suggested pimozide as the most effective agent for treating delusional syndromes, given the more favorable side-effect profile of atypical versus typical antipsychotics, this case suggests a role for risperidone as a first-line treatment in such situations.