Consumption of Pomegranate juice could be considered in the context of both dietary and pharmacological interventions for hypertension.
RESEACH TITLE: Clinical investigation of the acute effects of pomegranate juice on blood pressure and endothelial function in hypertensive individuals
COUNTRY: Iran
CONDUCTED BY: University of Medical Sciences, Iran.Professor, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
PUBLISHED ON: Arya atherosclerosis
RESEACH:
Background
Pomegranate juice is rich in bioactive phytochemicals with antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective functions. The present trial investigated the acute effects of Pomegranate juice consumption on blood pressure and markers of endothelial function.
Methods
In this single-arm study, thirteen hypertensive men aged 39-68 years were recruited. Included subjects were assigned to natural Pomegranate juice (150 ml/day) following a 12 hour fast. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and flow-mediated dilation (FMD), along with serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured at baseline and 4-6 hours after Pomegranate juice consumption.
Results
Comparison of pre- vs. post-trial values revealed a significant reduction in both SBP (7%; P = 0.013) and DBP (6%; P < 0.010). However, changes in FMD (20%) as well as circulating levels of CRP, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin, and IL-6 did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.172).
Conclusion
Pomegranate juice has promising acute hypotensive properties. Consumption of Pomegranate juice could be considered in the context of both dietary and pharmacological interventions for hypertension.
YEAR: 2013