Effect of resveratrol and curcumin and the potential synergism on hypertension: A mini‐review of human and animal model studies

• Published in: Phytotherapy research 2024-01, Vol.38 (1), p.42-58
• Main Authors: Ghaeini Hesarooeyeh, Zahra, Basham, Ayoub, Sheybani‐Arani, MohammadHosein, Abbaszadeh, Mahshid, Salimi Asl, Ali, Moghbeli, Meysam, Saburi, Ehsan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Angiotensin; Animal models; Animals; Antioxidants - pharmacology; Bioactive compounds; Blood pressure; Blood vessels; Curcumin; Curcumin - pharmacology; Humans; Hypertension; Hypertension - drug therapy; Models, Animal; Molecular modelling; polyphenols; Pressure reduction; Renin; Resveratrol; Resveratrol - pharmacology; Synergism
• ISSN: 0951-418X; 1099-1573
• DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8023

Resveratrol (RES) and curcumin (CUR) are two of the most extensively studied bioactive compounds in cardiovascular research from the past until today. These compounds have effectively lowered blood pressure by downregulating the renin‐angiotensin system, exerting antioxidant effects, and exhibiting antiproliferative activities on blood vessels. This study aims to summarize the results of human and animal studies investigating the effects of CUR, RES, and their combination on hypertension and the molecular mechanisms involved. The published trials' results are controversial regarding blood pressure reduction with different doses of RES and CUR, highlighting the need to address this issue. Blood pressure is controlled by cardiac output and vascular resistance, and any substance ameliorating these factors lowers blood pressure. Resveratrol and curcumin, through two major mechanisms, prevent the increase of vascular resistance. First, they provide a defence barrier against the oxidative destruction of the vascular endothelium through their high antioxidative activity. Second, they cease vascular remodelling by inhibiting the proliferation of myocytes in the vessel wall. Kidneys execute long‐term control of blood pressure by maintaining water and sodium balance, which can preserve the kidney's ability to regulate intravascular volume and blood pressure. Resveratrol can also modify the microbiota towards bacteria with no renin‐angiotensin activator production.