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Antihypertensive Effects of Probiotics
Iñaki Robles-Vera1, Marta Toral1, Miguel Romero1,2
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, CIBER-Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CiberCV), 18071, Granada, Spain.
Current Hypertension Reports
|March 19, 2017
Summary
Probiotics may lower blood pressure by improving gut health in hypertensive individuals. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these beneficial effects on the gut microbiome and overall health.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Hypertension is linked to significant alterations in gut microbiota composition.
- Gut dysbiosis in hypertension involves reduced diversity and altered bacterial populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review hypertension-associated changes in the gut microbiota.
- To explore the impact of probiotics on blood pressure in animal and human studies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on gut microbiota and hypertension.
- Meta-analysis of human studies on probiotic supplementation and blood pressure.
Main Results:
- Hypertensive gut microbiota shows decreased diversity and an increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio.
- Probiotic supplementation demonstrated a reduction in blood pressure in human studies.
- Mechanisms of probiotic antihypertensive effects, including gut barrier function and inflammation, require further elucidation.
Conclusions:
- Probiotics show promise in managing hypertension through modulation of the gut microbiome.
- Further research is essential to confirm efficacy and elucidate the precise mechanisms of action.
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