A new study suggests that the compounds contained in blood pressure-lowering tea may enable the development of such drugs. The results can contribute to new therapeutic approaches and potential drugs. Research shows that compounds in green and blackTea relaxes the blood vessels, by activating ion channel proteins in the blood vessel wall.
Can antihypertensive tea become a basis for future treatment methods?
The results of the research showed that two flavonoids called epicatechin gallate and epigallocatechin-3-gallate, found in tea, each activate a specific type of ion channel protein called KCNQ5. This allows potassium ions to diffuse out of cells. Because KCNQ5 is located in the smooth muscle that lines all blood vessels, its activation by catechin can relax blood vessels. This is a prediction that staff at the University of Copenhagen have also confirmed. Because up to one-third of the world's adult population suffers from hypertension and this condition is considered the number one modifiable risk factor for global cardiovascular disease and premature mortality, new approaches to the treatment of hypertension have enormous potential to improve global public health. Consuming green or black tea canoptimize blood pressure, even if it is a small but consistent amount. This can facilitate medicinal chemistry for improved effectiveness.
The researchers also found that adding milk prevented the beneficial activating effects of tea. Therefore, they are confident that the environment in the human stomach separates the catechins from the proteins. Using mass spectrometry, the team also found that heating green tea to 35 degrees Celsius changes its chemical composition in a way that makes activating KCNQ5 more effective. However, since the human body temperature is 37 degrees, drinking also activates these beneficial, blood pressure-lowering properties. The authorsthis studyclaim that the potassium channel is activated by this vasodilatation when drinking tea.
