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Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation caused by various plant extracts
D F Fitzpatrick1, S L Hirschfield, T Ricci
1Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, USA.
Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Plant extracts from fruits, vegetables, and spices promote blood vessel relaxation by releasing nitric oxide. These findings suggest plant-based foods may help prevent cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Pharmacology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Previous research indicated red wine and grape products induce endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation.
- Dietary factors are increasingly recognized for their role in cardiovascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the endothelium-dependent relaxing ability of various plant-based food extracts in vitro.
- To explore the potential role of nitric oxide and cyclic GMP in the observed vascular effects.
Main Methods:
- Aqueous extracts of vegetables, fruits, teas, nuts, herbs, and spices were prepared.
- Rat aortic rings, with or without endothelium, were contracted and exposed to plant extracts.
- Nitric oxide synthase inhibition and cyclic GMP levels were measured.
Main Results:
- Many plant extracts demonstrated endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation.
- The relaxant effect was inhibited by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine, indicating nitric oxide involvement.
- Relaxing extracts increased tissue cyclic GMP levels.
Conclusions:
- Plant foods contain compounds that can induce endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation.
- These compounds likely act via the nitric oxide pathway.
- Dietary plant compounds may contribute to cardiovascular disease prevention.
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