Hibiscus sabdariffa extract lowers blood pressure and improves endothelial function

• Published in: Molecular nutrition & food research 2014-06, Vol.58 (6), p.1374-1378
• Main Authors: Joven, Jorge, March, Isabel, Espinel, Eugenia, Fernández‐Arroyo, Salvador, Rodríguez‐Gallego, Esther, Aragonès, Gerard, Beltrán‐Debón, Raúl, Alonso‐Villaverde, Carlos, Rios, Lidia, Martin‐Paredero, Vicente, Menendez, Javier A, Micol, Vicente, Segura‐Carretero, Antonio, Camps, Jordi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents - pharmacology; antioxidant activity; antioxidants; Antioxidants - pharmacology; Arterial hypertension. Arterial hypotension; Biological and medical sciences; Blood and lymphatic vessels; blood pressure; Blood Pressure - drug effects; Cardiology. Vascular system; Diuresis; Endothelium - drug effects; Endothelium - metabolism; Experimental diseases; Feeding. Feeding behavior; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Hibiscus - chemistry; Hibiscus sabdariffa; Humans; Hypertension; Inflammation; Medical sciences; metabolic syndrome; Metabolic Syndrome - drug therapy; metabolism; Oxidative stress; patients; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A - metabolism; Phytochemicals; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; polyphenols; Polyphenols - pharmacology; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Inbred WKY; risk; Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems
• ISSN: 1613-4125; 1613-4133
• DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201300774

Polyphenols from Hibiscus sabdariffa calices were administered to patients with metabolic syndrome (125 mg/kg/day for 4 wk, n = 31) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (125 or 60 mg/kg in a single dose or daily for 1 wk, n = 8 for each experimental group). The H. sabdariffa extract improved metabolism, displayed potent anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and significantly reduced blood pressure in both humans and rats. Diuresis and inhibition of the angiotensin I‐converting enzyme were found to be less important mechanisms than those related to the antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and endothelium‐dependent effects to explain the beneficial actions. Notably, polyphenols induced a favorable endothelial response that should be considered in the management of metabolic cardiovascular risks.