Clinical Evaluation of Blood Pressure Lowering, Endothelial Function Improving, Hypolipidemic and Anti‐Inflammatory Effects of Pomegranate Juice in Hypertensive Subjects

Abstract

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice (PJ) contains different types of antioxidants and bioactive polyphenols and has been reported to promote cardiovascular health through several mechanisms. The present study aimed to examine the effects of 2-week intake of fresh PJ on blood pressure, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), serum lipid profile and concentrations of inflammatory and endothelial function biomarkers. Twenty-one hypertensive patients (aged 30-67 years) were recruited into the trial and assigned to receive either PJ (150 ml/day in a single occasion between lunch and dinner; n = 11) or the same amount of water (n = 10) for a period of 2 weeks. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) pressures together with FMD and serum concentrations of lipid profile parameters, apolipoproteins A and B, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular endothelial adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured at baseline and at the end of trial. PJ consumption was associated with significant reductions in SBP (p = 0.002) and DBP (p = 0.038) but not FMD (p > 0.05). Serum levels of VCAM-1 (p = 0.008) were significantly reduced by PJ while those of E-selectin were elevated (p = 0.039). However, no significant effect was observed from PJ on serum levels of ICAM-1, hs-CRP, lipid profile parameters, apolipoproteins and IL-6 in any of the study groups (p > 0.05). Consumption of PJ for 2 weeks has effective hypotensive effects, and may improve endothelial function by decreasing serum concentrations of VCAM-1. These findings suggest PJ as a beneficial cardioprotective supplement for hypertensive subjects.

Post Harvest Physicochemical Properties of Soursop (Annona Muricata L.) Fruits of Coast Region, Tanzania

“…This value is higher than the value of 0.31 g /100 g-fw for soursop fruits as reported by Moos [25] and 0.22 g /100 g-fw for Tanzanian mangoes [5]. The low level of fat in the fruits means that these fruits are not good source of energy [22] and are recommended for loss or maintaining of weight, supply of nutrients and lowering of blood pressure [26,27].…”

Effects of Pomegranate and Spearmint Syrup on Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

“…The current study included 100 participants, 26 of whom were excluded, as they declined to cooperate (n, 20) or did not meet the inclusion criteria (n, 6). A total of 74 patients with the mean age of 26.6 ± 5.7 years (range, 18 -40 years) were screened and randomly enrolled in the groups.…”

“…Various pharmacological activities, such as cardiovascular protective activities, antihypertensive effects (with inhibition of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme activity), hypoglycemic effects, and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol level, have been revealed. Moreover, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-H. pylori, antiinflammatory (in the gastrointestinal tract), and antiulcer effects have been recently discovered (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21).…”

Determination of antioxidant activity, phenolic contents and antiviral potential of methanol extract of <i>Euphorbia spinidens</i> Bornm (Euphorbiaceae)

“…Plants have the ability to synthesize a wide array of compounds and have long been used as remedies, and many are now being collected and examined in an attempt to identify possible sources of drugs [8][9][10]. The compounds with natural origin, especially herbal medicines, have been shown to be reliable source of new drugs [11][12][13].…”