Abstract
Background/Objectives: The acute impact of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces (HSC) extract on postprandial vascular function and other cardiometabolic risk factors have not been studied previously. This study investigated the acute impact of HSC extract consumption on blood pressure (BP), vascular function and other cardiometabolic risk markers. Subjects/Methods: Twenty-five men with 1% to 10% cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk (determined by QRISK®2) were randomised to consume either 250 mL of the aqueous extract of HSC or water with breakfast in a randomised, controlled, single-blinded, 2-meal cross-over study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NTC02165553) with a two weeks washout period between study days. BP was measured at baseline and hourly for 4 h. Flow mediated dilatation (FMD) of the branchial artery was measured at baseline, 2 and 4 h post intervention drink consumption. Results: Acute consumption of aqueous extract of HSC caused a significant increase in % FMD (p < 0.001), a non-significant decrease in systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP); non-significant increase in urinary and plasma nitric oxide (NOx) and reduced response of serum glucose, plasma insulin, serum triacylglycerol and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels; significant (p = 0.026) improvement in the area under systemic antioxidant response curve (0 to 2 h); no significant changes in arterial stiffness following the acute consumption of the extract of HSC. Gallic acid, 4-O-methylgallic acid, 3-O-methylgallic acid and hippuric acid reached a maximum plasma concentration at 1 to 2 h post consumption of the extract of HSC. Conclusion: The extract of HSC improved postprandial vascular function and may be a useful dietary strategy to reduce endothelial dysfunction and CVD risk, although this requires confirmation.
Highlights
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide and have become a global public health concern
Based on the limited data and suggestions for more clinical trials to confirm the benefits of the consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces (HSC) extract, this study investigated the acute impact of the consumption of the aqueous extract of HSC on postprandial flow mediated dilatation (FMD), blood pressure (BP) and other cardiometabolic risk markers in men
Double-blind, placebo-controlled chronic study a decrease in systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) of 7.2 and 3.1 mmHg respectively resulted from consumption of HSC extract at a daily dose of 3.75 g HSC/720 mL for 6 weeks by preand mildly hypertensive adults not taking BP-lowering medication [53]
Summary
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide and have become a global public health concern. CVD are the main cause of death in developed [1,2] and developing countries [3]. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), CVD cause 17.5 million deaths in Nutrients 2019, 11, 341; doi:10.3390/nu11020341 www.mdpi.com/journal/nutrients. It is projected that annual death due to CVD will increase from 17 million in 2008 to 25 million in 2030 [5]. Hypertension is the first and most important modifiable risk factors for CVD. Markers of vascular endothelial function are regarded as novel or emerging CVD risk markers. Measurement of flow mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery is regarded as the gold standard measure of vascular endothelial function. Foods and beverages rich in polyphenols are thought to have a potential positive impact on CVD risk
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