Combination of Taurine and Black Pepper Extract as a Treatment for Cardiovascular and Coronary Artery Diseases

Abstract

The shift in modern dietary regimens to “Western style” and sedentary lifestyles are believed to be partly responsible for the increase in the global burden of cardiovascular diseases. Natural products have been used throughout human history as treatments for a plethora of pathological conditions. Taurine and, more recently, black pepper have gained attention for their beneficial health effects while remaining non-toxic even when ingested in excess. Taurine, black pepper, and the major terpene constituents found in black pepper (i.e., β-caryophyllene; α-pinene; β-pinene; α-humulene; limonene; and sabinene) that are present in PhytoCann BP® have been shown to have cardioprotective effects based on anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-hypertensive and anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms. This comprehensive review of the literature focuses on determining whether the combination of taurine and black pepper extract is an effective natural treatment for reducing cardiovascular diseases risk factors (i.e., hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia) and for driving anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms to combat coronary artery disease, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and atherosclerotic disease.

Review on the Pharmacological Activities of Black Pepper

“…The primary terpene of black pepper, such as humulene, caryophyllene, limonene, pinene, and sabinene, have demonstrated cardioprotective properties using antiinflammatory, antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, and anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms. These terpenes are 17 . Alterations in the architecture and functionality of the vascular wall coincide with an elevation in blood pressure.…”

Functional Role of Taurine in Aging and Cardiovascular Health: An Updated Overview

“…It may help reduce blood pressure in individuals with hypertension and improve endothelial function, leading to enhanced vascular health. Its antioxidant properties may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and heart failure [66,67].…”

Physio-Pharmacological Potentials of Taurine: A Review in Animal and Human Studies

“…The intricate process of atherosclerosis includes the intake of cholesterol-enriched lipoproteins, the recruitment of monocytes, the adherence of endothelial cells, the development of macrophages and the production of foam cells. By accelerating cholesterol regression, lowering cholesterol biosynthesis and safeguarding endothelial cells, taurine therapy lowers atherogenesis 2,47 . Additionally, it inhibits the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and the reduction of oxidative stress 2,47 .…”

“…By accelerating cholesterol regression, lowering cholesterol biosynthesis and safeguarding endothelial cells, taurine therapy lowers atherogenesis 2,47 . Additionally, it inhibits the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and the reduction of oxidative stress 2,47 .…”