Hypertension (HTN), Hypertension
Conditions
Keywords
Arugula, Hypertension, Vascular Health, Cardiovascular
Brief summary
The purpose of this randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was to investigate the acute effects of arugula extract (AE) supplementation on blood pressure, endothelial function, and circulating nitric oxide (NO) metabolites in individuals with elevated to stage 1 hypertension. Hypertension is a major contributing factor to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is commonly associated with endothelial dysfunction and impaired NO bioavailability. Dietary nitrate supplementation has demonstrated beneficial effects on cardiovascular health through the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway. Although nitrate-rich supplements such as beetroot juice have been extensively investigated, limited research has examined the vascular effects of arugula extract in individuals with hypertension. Sixteen adults between the ages of 18 and 50 years with elevated to stage 1 hypertension participated in the study. Participants completed two experimental conditions in randomized order: 4,000 mg of arugula extract, providing approximately 400 mg of dietary nitrate, and 4,000 mg of psyllium husk placebo. Each condition was separated by a minimum 72-hour washout period to minimize potential carryover effects. During each experimental condition, participants underwent baseline cardiovascular and vascular assessments before consuming the assigned supplement. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and venous blood samples were collected at baseline and 1, 2, 3, and 24 hours following supplementation. Endothelial function was assessed through brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) at baseline, 3 hours, and 24 hours post-supplementation. Blood samples were analyzed to assess circulating nitrate, nitrite, and total NO metabolites. The primary objective was to determine whether acute arugula extract supplementation improved endothelial function and reduced blood pressure compared with placebo. Secondary objectives included evaluating changes in circulating NO metabolites. This investigation sought to determine the potential of arugula extract as a dietary nitrate intervention for improving vascular health in individuals with elevated blood pressure.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTArugula Extract
Participants consume a single oral dose of 4,000 mg arugula extract (AE), providing approximately 400 mg of dietary nitrate (10% nitrate concentration). Arugula Extract is administered in capsule form following baseline cardiovascular and vascular assessments. Blood pressure, heart rate, and blood biomarkers are assessed at baseline, 1, 2, 3, and 24 hours following supplementation. Flow-mediated dilation is assessed at baseline, 3 hours, and 24 hours.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTPsyllium Husk
Participants consume a single oral dose of 4,000 mg psyllium husk as the placebo condition. The placebo is administered in capsule form following baseline cardiovascular and vascular assessments. Blood pressure, heart rate, and blood biomarkers are assessed at baseline, 1, 2, 3, and 24 hours following supplementation. Flow-mediated dilation is assessed at baseline, 3 hours, and 24 hours.
Sponsors
Baylor University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Males and females between the ages of 18 and 50 * No previously diagnosed or known cardiovascular diseases aside from hypertension * Elevated or stage I hypertension in accordance to the AHA * Not Not currently taking any medication that may affect blood pressure, heart rate, or mental state (e.g., stimulants, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety)
Exclusion criteria
* BMI \>40 kg/m2 * A blood pressure reading on two separate occasions indicating stage II hypertension according to the AHA. * Previously diagnosed with any cardiovascular or cardiometabolic disease (aside from hypertension) * Currently taking any prescription stimulants or anti-depressants * Taking any supplements with dietary nitrates (e.g., beet root juice, powder) or Nitric Oxide advertised supplements
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Endothelial Function | Baseline, 3-hours post supplementation, 24-hours post supplementation | Measured Via brachial artery flow-mediated dilation. |
| Blood Pressure | Baseline, 1-hour post consumption , 2-hours post consumption, 3-hours post consumption, and 24-hours post consumption | Blood pressure will be measured using an automated oscillometric sphygmomanometer to determine systolic and diastolic blood pressure in mmHg. |
| Biomarker of Nitric Oxide | Baseline, 1-hour post consumption , 2-hours post consumption, 3-hours post consumption, and 24-hours post consumption | Nitrate and Nitrite are biomarkers of nitric oxide quantified through blood samples analysis. Measured with Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). |
| Heart Rate | Baseline, 1-hour post consumption , 2-hours post consumption, 3-hours post consumption, and 24-hours post consumption | Heart rate will be measured in conjunction with blood pressure using an automated oscillometric sphygmomanometer to determine beats per minute in bpm) |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed