The Effect of <b><i>Cynara scolymus</i></b> on Blood Pressure and BMI in Hypertensive Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Recent studies have suggested that artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) may reduce certain biochemical blood factors but the efficacy of this plant on blood pressure (BP) has not yet been investigated. In this study, we determined the clinical efficacy of C. scolymuson BP and body mass index (BMI) in hypertensive patients as an adjunctive to captopril for the first time. Methods: The total phenolic content and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry metabolite profiling in leaves of C. scolymus have been evaluated. A clinical trial was subsequently carried out on 40 patients to determine the effect of C. scolymus on BP and BMI in hypertensive patients. The treatment group received capsules containing C. scolymus(500 mg twice daily) and the placebo group received starch powder for 8 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, and BMI were determined before and after the study. Results: A significant improvement of the BMI was seen in the C. scolymus group compared with the placebo group (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that the consumption of C. scolymus powder as a rich source of phenolic and antioxidant compounds could potentially improve BMI and SBP in hypertensive patients. Therefore, more trials are needed to confirm or reject the antihypertensive impact of artichoke.

Cardiac Oxidative Stress and the Therapeutic Approaches to the Intake of Antioxidant Supplements and Physical Activity

“…On another interesting note, Tropea found that GSEP was not capable of altering vascular reactivity but capable of improving the relaxation of vascular endothelial-dependent in eNOS mice's mesenteric and uterine arteries [109]. In an attempt to explore the impact of 500 mg of Cynara Scolymus L, twice daily for eight weeks on blood pressure (BP), Ardalani et al [110] looked to evaluate the clinical efficacy of C.scolymus on BP and body mass index (BMI) in patients suffering from hypertension. Interestingly, it was reported that the consumption of C.scolymus powder, which had enough flavonoid and antioxidants, despite reducing BMI, could not improve SBP and DBP.…”

Production of Vegetables and Artichokes Is Associated with Lower Cardiovascular Mortality: An Ecological Study

“…In several clinical trials, reductions in cholesterol levels were found but more studies are needed [ 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 ]. In addition, improved hypertension, body mass index, cardio-metabolic parameters, and hepato-protective effects have been observed [ 67 , 68 , 69 ]. Artichoke extract may be relevant as a therapeutic factor for atherosclerosis due to it lowering the rates of low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nitric oxide regulation effects [ 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 ].…”

Potential antidiabetic phytochemicals in plant roots: a review of in vivo studies

“…5. It is well-established that tannins cause a decrease in feed intake, growth rate, feed efficiency, and protein digestibility, resulting in increased excretion of proteins and essential amino acids followed by a decrease of the body mass index [152][153][154]. In a study by Venkataiah et al, tannins in the root of A. ilicifolius were shown to significantly decrease the blood glucose level in diabetic rats when orally administering 200 mg/kg of the extract for two weeks [21].…”