Supplementation of the Pure Flavonoids Epicatechin and Quercetin Affects Some Biomarkers of Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation in (Pre)Hypertensive Adults: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial ,

Abstract

In (pre)hypertensive men and women, epicatechin may contribute to the cardioprotective effects of cocoa and tea through improvements in endothelial function. Quercetin may contribute to the cardioprotective effects of tea possibly by improving endothelial function and reducing inflammation. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01691404.

The Cardiovascular Effects of Cocoa Polyphenols—An Overview

“…They found that epicatechin negatively modulates fasting plasma glucose and insulin resistance, which are closely related to the endothelial dysfunction. Also, in another interventional study in healthy (pre)hypertensive men and women, they showed that the treatment with epicatechin (100 mg/day, four weeks) causes a decrease of seven percent in sE-selectin, a marker of endothelial dysfunction that is inversely associated with FMD [83]. Barnett et al [82] showed that a multi-dose intake of epicatechin (50 mg × 2/day, five days) in healthy adults improves mitochondrial enzyme function and increases plasma follistatin levels, an indicator of muscle growth.…”

“…As we already noted, EFSA recommends 200 mg of cocoa polyphenols daily for a beneficial effect on endothelial function. Although, Dower et al [83,84] chosed the dosage of epicatechin in line with the amount of epicatechin present in previous cocoa/chocolate intervention studies (46–107 mg/day); in those studies, the level of total polyphenols was significantly higher (more than 200 mg and even higher than 800 mg). In cocoa products, the effects of epicatechin can be boosted by the pharmacokinetic and pharmacological interactions with other cocoa flavonoids and compounds.…”

“…Baseline values of cardiovascular status and metabolism are different for young adults (25–32 years) and older adults (over 50 years), the last category being included in the studies of Dower et al [83,84]. The type of treatment with epicatechin (acute vs. acute-on-chronic effect) may influence the final outcome.…”

Flavonols reduce aortic atherosclerosis lesion area in apolipoprotein E deficient mice: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…A randomized crossover trial reported that quercetin, administered as quercetin-3-glycoside, significantly decreased the inflammatory biomarkers soluble endothelial selectin and interleukin 1 beta compared with placebo after four weeks supplementation [48]. However, no other clinical trials have assessed the effects of quercetin and other flavonoids on markers of atherosclerosis in humans.…”

Nutrition and other lifestyle influences on arterial aging

“…Bioactive constituents of fruits and vegetables are also of interest, including: quercetin (apples), allicin (garlic), sulforaphane (broccoli), lycopene (tomatoes) and capsaicin (peppers) (Alfaras et al, 2016; Burton-Freeman and Sesso, 2014; Dower et al, 2015; Evans, 2011; Landberg et al, 2012; McCarty et al, 2015). Herbal compounds, such as shogaol (ginger) and carnosol (rosemary) are promising, as well (Kelsey et al, 2010).…”