Anthocyanins and their effects on blood pressure
Flavonoids, naturally occurring secondary metabolites in plants, have been associated with positive effects on high blood pressure (hypertension) which is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Anthocyanins, a subgroup of flavonoids, have in more recent years gained parti...
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| Formato: | M2 |
| Lenguaje: | Inglés sueco |
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SLU/Dept. of Food Science
2016
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| Sumario: | Flavonoids, naturally occurring secondary metabolites in plants, have been associated with positive effects on high blood pressure (hypertension) which is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Anthocyanins, a subgroup of flavonoids, have in more recent years gained particular attention for its effects on blood pressure.
The aim of this literature review was to investigate the scientific evidence for potential beneficial effects of anthocyanins on hypertension and identify possible mechanisms for such effects.
Long term epidemiological studies indicate that anthocyanins do have positive effects on blood pressure as well as maintaining normal vascular function. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have also observed beneficial effects of anthocyanins but there are also several studies which have not observed any effects at all. Mechanistic animal studies indicate that vaso-relaxing properties from the anthocyanins may be responsible for the effects on blood pressure through the upregulation of nitric oxide synthesis, (NOS).
In conclusion, some studies indicate positive effects on blood pressure owed to anthocyanins, but more studies are needed to prove cause-effect. The observed vaso-relaxing effects are most likely due to the activity of NO which seem to be influenced by the metabolites derived from anthocyanins. |
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