Beneficial Effects of Polyphenol-Rich Chokeberry Juice Consumption on Blood Pressure Level and Lipid Status in Hypertensive Subjects

J Med Food. 2015 Nov;18(11):1231-8. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2014.0171. Epub 2015 May 14.

Abstract

Epidemiological studies have shown a positive association between intake of foods rich in antioxidants and lower incidence of cardiovascular disease development. Polyphenols are considered the most abundant and important dietary antioxidants. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of polyphenol-rich chokeberry juice consumption on 24-h ambulatory monitored blood pressure (BP) level in subjects with no pharmacologically treated high normal BP or grade I hypertension. Twenty-three subjects (12 men and 11 women) aged 33-67 were enrolled and instructed to consume 200 mL of juice daily for 4 weeks. Participants were divided in two groups, based on prevalence of sympathetic or parasympathetic activity. Measurements of biochemical parameters and heart rate variability analysis were also applied. At the end of the intervention period, average 24-h and awake systolic and diastolic BP were significantly decreased (P<.05). This was more pronounced in the group with prevalence of sympathetic activity. Significant reduction in triglyceride level (P<.05) and a reducing effect on total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were also found. Obtained results indicate a positive impact of regular chokeberry juice consumption on BP and lipid status in pharmacologically untreated hypertensive subjects.

Keywords: blood pressure; cardiovascular health; chokeberry; polyphenols; triglycerides.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects*
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood
  • Female
  • Fruit / chemistry
  • Fruit and Vegetable Juices
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / blood
  • Hypertension / diet therapy*
  • Hypertension / physiopathology
  • Lipids / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Photinia / chemistry*
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Polyphenols / pharmacology
  • Polyphenols / therapeutic use*
  • Triglycerides / blood

Substances

  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Lipids
  • Plant Extracts
  • Polyphenols
  • Triglycerides
  • Cholesterol