Author/Authors :
Asgary، Sedigheh نويسنده PhD, Associate Professor of Pharmacognosy, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Applied Physiology Research Center, IUMS, Isfahan , , Keshvari، Mahtab نويسنده Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Keshvari, Mahtab , Sahebkar، Amirhossein نويسنده Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , , sadegh Hashemi، Mohamad نويسنده Department of Management Payame Noor University. IR. Of IRAN , , Rafieian-kopaei، Mahmoud نويسنده Department of Pharmacology, Medical Plants Research Center, Shahr-e-kord University of Medical Sciences, Shahr-e-Kord, Iran Rafieian-kopaei, Mahmoud
Abstract :
BACKGROUND: Pomegranate juice (PJ) is rich in bioactive phytochemicals with antioxidant,
and anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective functions. The present trial investigated the acute
effects of PJ 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 PJ (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 PJ 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: PJ has promising acute hypotensive properties. Consumption of PJ could be
considered in the context of both dietary and pharmacological interventions for hypertension.
