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Robertson NU, Schoonees A, Brand A, Visser J. Pine bark (Pinus spp.) extract for treating chronic disorders. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 9:CD008294. [PMID: 32990945 PMCID: PMC8094515 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008294.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pine bark (Pinus spp.) extract is rich in bioflavonoids, predominantly proanthocyanidins, which are antioxidants. Commercially-available extract supplements are marketed for preventing or treating various chronic conditions associated with oxidative stress. This is an update of a previously published review. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and safety of pine bark extract supplements for treating chronic disorders. SEARCH METHODS We searched three databases and three trial registries; latest search: 30 September 2019. We contacted the manufacturers of pine bark extracts to identify additional studies and hand-searched bibliographies of included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating pine bark extract supplements in adults or children with any chronic disorder. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Where possible, we pooled data in meta-analyses. We used GRADE to evaluate the certainty of evidence. Primary outcomes were participant- and investigator-reported clinical outcomes directly related to each disorder and all-cause mortality. We also assessed adverse events and biomarkers of oxidative stress. MAIN RESULTS This review included 27 RCTs (22 parallel and five cross-over designs; 1641 participants) evaluating pine bark extract supplements across 10 chronic disorders: asthma (two studies; 86 participants); attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (one study; 61 participants), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk factors (seven studies; 338 participants), chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) (two studies; 60 participants), diabetes mellitus (DM) (six studies; 339 participants), erectile dysfunction (three studies; 277 participants), female sexual dysfunction (one study; 83 participants), osteoarthritis (three studies; 293 participants), osteopenia (one study; 44 participants) and traumatic brain injury (one study; 60 participants). Two studies exclusively recruited children; the remainder recruited adults. Trials lasted between four weeks and six months. Placebo was the control in 24 studies. Overall risk of bias was low for four, high for one and unclear for 22 studies. In adults with asthma, we do not know whether pine bark extract increases change in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) % predicted/forced vital capacity (FVC) (mean difference (MD) 7.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.19 to 12.21; one study; 44 participants; very low-certainty evidence), increases change in FEV1 % predicted (MD 7.00, 95% CI 0.10 to 13.90; one study; 44 participants; very low-certainty evidence), improves asthma symptoms (risk ratio (RR) 1.85, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.58; one study; 60 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or increases the number of people able to stop using albuterol inhalers (RR 6.00, 95% CI 1.97 to 18.25; one study; 60 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In children with ADHD, we do not know whether pine bark extract decreases inattention and hyperactivity assessed by parent- and teacher-rating scales (narrative synthesis; one study; 57 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or increases the change in visual-motoric coordination and concentration (MD 3.37, 95% CI 2.41 to 4.33; one study; 57 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In participants with CVD, we do not know whether pine bark extract decreases diastolic blood pressure (MD -3.00 mm Hg, 95% CI -4.51 to -1.49; one study; 61 participants; very low-certainty evidence); increases HDL cholesterol (MD 0.05 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.11; one study; 61 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or decreases LDL cholesterol (MD -0.03 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.00; one study; 61 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In participants with CVI, we do not know whether pine bark extract decreases pain scores (MD -0.59, 95% CI -1.02 to -0.16; one study; 40 participants; very low-certainty evidence), increases the disappearance of pain (RR 25.0, 95% CI 1.58 to 395.48; one study; 40 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or increases physician-judged treatment efficacy (RR 4.75, 95% CI 1.97 to 11.48; 1 study; 40 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In type 2 DM, we do not know whether pine bark extract leads to a greater reduction in fasting blood glucose (MD 1.0 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.09; one study; 48 participants;very low-certainty evidence) or decreases HbA1c (MD -0.90 %, 95% CI -1.78 to -0.02; 1 study; 48 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In a mixed group of participants with type 1 and type 2 DM we do not know whether pine bark extract decreases HbA1c (MD -0.20 %, 95% CI -1.83 to 1.43; one study; 67 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In men with erectile dysfunction, we do not know whether pine bark extract supplements increase International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores (not pooled; two studies; 147 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In women with sexual dysfunction, we do not know whether pine bark extract increases satisfaction as measured by the Female Sexual Function Index (MD 5.10, 95% CI 3.49 to 6.71; one study; 75 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or leads to a greater reduction of pain scores (MD 4.30, 95% CI 2.69 to 5.91; one study; 75 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In adults with osteoarthritis of the knee, we do not know whether pine bark extract decreases composite Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores (MD -730.00, 95% CI -1011.95 to -448.05; one study; 37 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (MD -18.30, 95% CI -25.14 to -11.46; one study; 35 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We do not know whether pine bark extract increases bone alkaline phosphatase in post-menopausal women with osteopenia (MD 1.16 ug/L, 95% CI -2.37 to 4.69; one study; 40 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In individuals with traumatic brain injury, we do not know whether pine bark extract decreases cognitive failure scores (MD -2.24, 95% CI -11.17 to 6.69; one study; 56 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or post-concussion symptoms (MD -0.76, 95% CI -5.39 to 3.87; one study; 56 participants; very low-certainty evidence). For most comparisons, studies did not report outcomes of hospital admissions or serious adverse events. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Small sample sizes, limited numbers of RCTs per condition, variation in outcome measures, and poor reporting of the included RCTs mean no definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy or safety of pine bark extract supplements are possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina U Robertson
- Division of Human Nutrition, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anel Schoonees
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Amanda Brand
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Janicke Visser
- Division of Human Nutrition, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Tauchen J, Huml L, Rimpelova S, Jurášek M. Flavonoids and Related Members of the Aromatic Polyketide Group in Human Health and Disease: Do They Really Work? Molecules 2020; 25:E3846. [PMID: 32847100 PMCID: PMC7504053 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25173846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Some aromatic polyketides such as dietary flavonoids have gained reputation as miraculous molecules with preeminent beneficial effects on human health, for example, as antioxidants. However, there is little conclusive evidence that dietary flavonoids provide significant leads for developing more effective drugs, as the majority appears to be of negligible medicinal importance. Some aromatic polyketides of limited distribution have shown more interesting medicinal properties and additional research should be focused on them. Combretastatins, analogues of phenoxodiol, hepatoactive kavalactones, and silymarin are showing a considerable promise in the advanced phases of clinical trials for the treatment of various pathologies. If their limitations such as adverse side effects, poor water solubility, and oral inactivity are successfully eliminated, they might be prime candidates for the development of more effective and in some case safer drugs. This review highlights some of the newer compounds, where they are in the new drug pipeline and how researchers are searching for additional likely candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Tauchen
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6, 165 00 Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Huml
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, Prague 6, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.H.); (M.J.)
| | - Silvie Rimpelova
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 3, Prague 6, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Michal Jurášek
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, Prague 6, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.H.); (M.J.)
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Billerach G, Rouméas L, Dubreucq E, Fulcrand H. Furanolysis with Menthofuran: A New Depolymerization Method for Analyzing Condensed Tannins. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:2917-2926. [PMID: 31013083 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b00497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
An improved analytical depolymerization method for characterizing condensed tannins was developed with menthofuran (3,6-dimethyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-benzofuran) as the nucleophilic trapping reagent. Herein, menthofuran was compared with routinely used nucleophiles, phloroglucinol and 2-mercaptoethanol. At 30 °C and in the presence of 0.1 M HCl, menthofuran displayed the outstanding ability to enable the fast and full depolymerization of procyanidin B2 using only a 1:1 molar ratio of both reactants. Under the same conditions, phloroglucinol and 2-mercaptoethanol led to a reaction equilibrium with significantly lower conversion yields. Application to commercial tannin extracts showed that a menthofuran-to-extract weight ratio of 1 gave the same yields of procyanidin constitutive units as 10-fold higher molecular equivalent phloroglucinol and 100-fold 2-mercaptoethanol. Finally, guidelines for implementing the menthofuran depolymerization method are proposed to assess the tannin content and composition of extracts as well as of plant materials without prior extraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Billerach
- INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, UMR 1083 SPO Sciences pour l'Œnologie, 2 Place Viala, 34060 Montpellier, France
- INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, UMR 1208 IATE Ingénierie des Agropolymères et Technologies Emergentes, 2 Place Viala, 34060 Montpellier, France
| | - Laurent Rouméas
- INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, UMR 1208 IATE Ingénierie des Agropolymères et Technologies Emergentes, 2 Place Viala, 34060 Montpellier, France
| | - Eric Dubreucq
- INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, UMR 1208 IATE Ingénierie des Agropolymères et Technologies Emergentes, 2 Place Viala, 34060 Montpellier, France
| | - Hélène Fulcrand
- INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, UMR 1083 SPO Sciences pour l'Œnologie, 2 Place Viala, 34060 Montpellier, France
- INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, UMR 1208 IATE Ingénierie des Agropolymères et Technologies Emergentes, 2 Place Viala, 34060 Montpellier, France
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Lim WXJ, Chepulis L, von Hurst P, Gammon CS, Page RA. An Acute, Placebo-Controlled, Single-Blind, Crossover, Dose-Response, Exploratory Study to Assess the Effects of New Zealand Pine Bark Extract (Enzogenol ®) on Glycaemic Responses in Healthy Participants. Nutrients 2020; 12:E497. [PMID: 32075228 PMCID: PMC7071219 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
An acute, placebo-controlled, single-blind, crossover, dose-response, exploratory study was designed to investigate the hypoglycaemic effects of New Zealand pine bark extract (Enzogenol®). Twenty-five healthy participants categorised into having a monophasic or complex (biphasic or triphasic) glucose curve shape at the control visit consumed a placebo and Enzogenol® (50 and 400 mg) on three separate occasions before an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In the monophasic group, 50 and 400 mg of Enzogenol® significantly reduced the mean glucose incremental area under the curve (iAUC) compared to control 241.3 ± 20.2 vs. 335.4 ± 34.0 mmol/L·min, p = 0.034 and 249.3 ± 25.4 vs. 353.6 ± 31.5 mmol/L·min, p = 0.012, respectively. The 400 mg dose further reduced the percentage increment of postprandial glucose (%PG) 31.4% ± 7.9% vs. 47.5% ± 8.6%, p = 0.010, glucose peak 7.9 ± 0.3 vs. 8.9 ± 0.3 mmol/L, p = 0.025 and 2h-OGTT postprandial glucose (2hPG) 6.1 ± 0.3 vs. 6.7 ± 0.3 mmol/L, p = 0.027. Glucose iAUC was not significantly different in the complex group, except for reductions in %PG 28.7% ± 8.2% vs. 43.4% ± 5.9%, p = 0.012 after 50 mg dose and 27.7% ± 5.4% vs. 47.3% ± 7.2%, p = 0.025 after 400 mg dose. The results suggest that Enzogenol® may have hypoglycaemic effects in healthy participants, especially those exhibiting monophasic shapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Xin Janice Lim
- School of Health Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0632, New Zealand; (W.X.J.L.); (C.S.G.)
| | - Lynne Chepulis
- Waikato Medical Research Centre, University of Waikato, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand;
| | - Pamela von Hurst
- School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, Auckland 0632, New Zealand;
| | - Cheryl S. Gammon
- School of Health Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0632, New Zealand; (W.X.J.L.); (C.S.G.)
| | - Rachel A. Page
- School of Health Sciences, Massey University, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
- Centre for Metabolic Health Research, Massey University, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
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Ciocanel O, Power K, Eriksen A. Interventions to Treat Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Sex Med 2019; 7:251-269. [PMID: 31300388 PMCID: PMC6728733 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual dysfunction in men is common, and optimal treatment is complex. Although several systematic reviews concerning treatment approaches exist, a comprehensive overview without limitations concerning the population, interventions, or outcomes is lacking. AIM To conduct a "review of reviews" to compare the effectiveness of pharmacologic, non-pharmacologic, and combined interventions. METHODS 9 electronic databases, relevant journals, and reference lists up to July 2018 were searched. For each intervention, only the most recent and comprehensive meta-analysis or systematic review was included. The methodologic quality of the reviews was appraised using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews-2 tool. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Sexual functioning (via intravaginal ejaculatory latency time and international index of erectile function), sexual satisfaction, and adverse effects. RESULTS 30 systematic reviews were included. For premature ejaculation, several treatments, including oral pharmacotherapy (selective serotonin inhibitors, phosphodiesterase type 5 [PDE5] inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and opioid analgesics), topical anesthetics, and combined drug and behavioral therapies demonstrated significant improvements of 1-5 minutes in the intravaginal ejaculatory latency time. Pharmacologic interventions (PDE5 inhibitors, penile injection, and testosterone), shockwave therapy, lifestyle modifications, and combined therapies (PDE5 inhibitors and psychological intervention) were effective in treating erectile dysfunction. Most pharmacologic therapies were associated with adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS There is suggestive evidence that pharmacologic interventions or combined therapies are more effective than non-pharmacologic interventions for treating sexual dysfunction in men; however, a range of treatment options should be presented to individual patients so they may consider the risks and benefits of treatments differently. Evidence related to behavioral and psychological interventions is insufficient compared with that related to drug trials, highlighting the necessity for larger and better randomized controlled trials. Ciocanel O, Power K, Eriksen A. Interventions to Treat Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Sex Med 2019;7:251-269.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana Ciocanel
- Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Managed Care Network, Public Health Directory, NHS Tayside, Kings Cross Hospital, Dundee, United Kingdom.
| | - Kevin Power
- Adult Psychological Therapies Service, NHS Tayside, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Ann Eriksen
- Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Managed Care Network, Public Health Directory, NHS Tayside, Kings Cross Hospital, Dundee, United Kingdom
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Valls RM, Llauradó E, Fernández-Castillejo S, Puiggrós F, Solà R, Arola L, Pedret A. Effects of low molecular weight procyanidin rich extract from french maritime pine bark on cardiovascular disease risk factors in stage-1 hypertensive subjects: Randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled intervention trial. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 23:1451-1461. [PMID: 27765365 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/20/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oligopinۚ (OP) is a quantified extract from French Maritime Pine bark (FMPB) with low molecular weight procyanidins. The cardioprotective effects of OP need to be tested in human clinical intervention trials with an appropriate design. PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of subchronic consumption of OP on cardiovascular disease risk factors such as lipid profile, systolic blood pressure (BP) and oxidized-Low Density Lipoprotein (ox-LDL) in stage-1-hypertensive subjects. METHODS Between February 14 and May 31, 2014, eligible subjects were recruited from the outpatient clinics of Hospital Universitari Sant Joan (Reus, Spain). A total of 24 participants (mean age ± DS; 57.36 ± 11.25; 17 men) with stage-1-hypertension who were not receiving BP-lowering medication and LDL cholesterol < 4.88 mmol/l were randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. The subjects received 2 capsules/day with 75 mg of OP or placebo for 5-weeks. RESULTS At 5-weeks, compared to the placebo, OP raised High Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) by 14.06% (p = 0.012) and apolipoprotein A-1 by 8.12% (p = 0.038) and reduced the ratio of apolipoprotein B-100/A-1 by 10.26% (p = 0.046). Moreover, at 5-weeks, compared to the baseline, OP reduced the systolic BP by 6.36 mmHg (p = 0.014), and decreased ox-LDL concentrations by 31.72 U/l (p = 0.015). CONCLUSION At 5-weeks, the consumption of 150 mg/day of OP improve lipid cardiovascular profile and represents one of the scarce ways to increase HDL-c in stage-1-hypertensive subjects. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02063477.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa-M Valls
- NFOC-Salut group, URLA, CTNS, CIBERDEM, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan, Servei de Medicina Interna, IISPV, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, St. Llorenç, 21, 43201, Reus, Spain
| | - Elisabet Llauradó
- NFOC-Salut group, URLA, CTNS, CIBERDEM, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan, Servei de Medicina Interna, IISPV, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, St. Llorenç, 21, 43201, Reus, Spain
| | - Sara Fernández-Castillejo
- NFOC-Salut group, URLA, CTNS, CIBERDEM, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan, Servei de Medicina Interna, IISPV, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, St. Llorenç, 21, 43201, Reus, Spain
| | - Francesc Puiggrós
- CTNS-TECNIO-Technology Center of Nutrition and Health, Avda. Universitat, 1, 43204, Reus, Spain
| | - Rosa Solà
- NFOC-Salut group, URLA, CTNS, CIBERDEM, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan, Servei de Medicina Interna, IISPV, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, St. Llorenç, 21, 43201, Reus, Spain.
| | - Lluis Arola
- CTNS-TECNIO-Technology Center of Nutrition and Health, Avda. Universitat, 1, 43204, Reus, Spain
| | - Anna Pedret
- NFOC-Salut group, URLA, CTNS, CIBERDEM, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan, Servei de Medicina Interna, IISPV, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, St. Llorenç, 21, 43201, Reus, Spain
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Hügel HM, Jackson N, May B, Zhang AL, Xue CC. Polyphenol protection and treatment of hypertension. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 23:220-231. [PMID: 26926184 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2015.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High blood pressure is the major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and the rising prevalence of human hypertension precedes the trend toward a global epidemic of unhealthy ageing. A focus on lifestyle and dietary interventions minimizes dependency on pharmacological antihypertensive therapies. REVIEW Observational studies indicate that the intake of dietary flavonoids is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The evidence suggests that the dietary intakes of polyphenol-rich foods, herbs and beverages including flavonols, anthocyanidins, proanthocyanidins, flavones, flavanones, isoflavones and flavan-3-ols, improves vascular health, thereby significantly reducing the risk of hypertension and CVD. Consumption is associated with an improvement in endothelial function via vascular eNOS and Akt activation. Increased NO bioavailability improves vasodilation and blood circulation, effects protein kinases, ion channels and phosphodiesterases, counteracting vascular inflammation and LDL oxidative stress. Importantly, some polyphenols also inhibit the activity of matrix metalloproteinases, inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme activity and thereby improving SBP and DSB. We review the improvement of polyphenol intake on blood pressure and endothelial function for the treatment of hypertension, including not only observational but also RCTs and pre-clinical studies. CONCLUSION The antihypertensive phytotherapy of polyphenol-rich foods for protection and improving endothelial function with vascular relaxation occurs via the NO-cGMP pathway and ACE inhibition. OPCs stimulate endothelium-dependent vasodilation, suppress vasoconstrictor ET-1 synthesis, activate a laminar shear stress response in endothelial cells and also inhibit the activity of metalloproteinases including ACE lowering blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmut M Hügel
- School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia .
| | - Neale Jackson
- School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Brian May
- School of Health Sciences and China-Australia International Research Centre for Chinese Medicine, Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001 Australia
| | - Anthony L Zhang
- School of Health Sciences and China-Australia International Research Centre for Chinese Medicine, Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001 Australia
| | - Charlie C Xue
- School of Health Sciences and China-Australia International Research Centre for Chinese Medicine, Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001 Australia
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