Researchers have found that the use of a flavonoid “quercetin” can significantly reduce the blood pressure in patients having cardiovascular disease. The researchers consulted multiple studies that assessed the benefit of quercetin on glucose levels and blood pressure.
Quercetin is the plant pigment that is commonly found in various plants and some fruits such as teas, apples, onions and red wine. Each consulted study assessed the blood glucose level, insulin, and total cholesterol. Researchers consulted 17studies which included a total of 886 participants.
The findings of the study are published in “Nutrition Reviews”.
The combined result from 13 different treatment arms which were consulted throughout the study demonstrates that the administration of quercetin markedly reduces the systolic blood pressure. Those participants who consumed the pigment for eight or more weeks showed a great change in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
Quercetin didn’t influence the levels of cholesterol and alter concentrations of fasting blood glucose. It didn’t show any adverse events in any of the consulted studies.
Quercetin is a plant pigment having flavonol that belongs to the flavonoid group of polyphenols. Flavonoid is a chemical found in plants known as phytonutrients. It has a wide range of health benefits.
Quercetin shows blood pressure lowering effects and its supplements are even promoted for cancer treatment. It is found in various vegetables, foods, grains, and leaves. It has a bitter taste and used in different dietary supplements, foods, and beverages.
Cardiovascular diseases are a significant contributor to morbidity, disability, and mortality worldwide. A higher blood pressure of 180/120 or elevated than this confers the 80% chance of mortality within a year.
The prolonged untreated situation can also lead to blindness, strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems. The prevalence rate of cardiovascular diseases is increasing. Epidemiological studies have shown the various modifiable risk factors which include tobacco use, alcohol, obesity, raised lipid contents, and various interlinked metabolic factors
Treatments of high blood pressure or hypertension depend on the disease etiology which may include diet alternations, exercise, weight loss, and pharmacological interventions. Pharmacological therapies are successful but show many adverse effects. Different randomized controlled trials and epidemiological studies showed that the use of natural products and specific foods offer protective effects.
Collected evidence has demonstrated the huge range of health-promoting effects of quercetin such as anti-inflammatory, anticoagulatory, antihyperglycemic, and antihypertensive and also showed positive effects on lipid metabolism. There is an inverse relationship between the intake of flavonoids and the occurrence of chronic disease.
The study review concluded that the decrease in blood pressure of above 10mmHg reduces cardiovascular risks by 50% for cardiac arrest, 35% to 40% for stroke and almost 20% to 25% for myocarditis. The researchers found the beneficial effects of quercetin on the blood pressure give the evidence in support of quercetin use for patients suffering from hypertension.
In spite of the uncertainty of the mechanism of quercetin in reducing blood pressure in humans, it holds promising treatment for hypertensive patients and promotes cardiovascular health. In vivo and In vitro research in animals has shown the different mechanisms of action that could lower blood pressure in hypertensive humans.