Adding a combination of three natural extracts known as nutraceutical products to standard pharmacological treatments could helpto combat high blood pressureand improve cardiovascular function. This is especially true for patients who do not control their blood pressure properly. The conclusions come from a study carried out by the Laboratory of Vascular Pathophysiology in collaboration with the Medical University of Salerno, the Federico II University of Naples, the IRCCS Multimedica in Milan and the University of Sapienza in Rome.
Nutraceutical products for the heart and blood pressure
Scientists have developed active droplets that can be used in long-lasting and precise dosage of medication.
The extracts used in this nutraceutical composition come from small fat leaf, ginkgo and green tea leaves, blended with phosphatidylcholine, a natural phospholipid. Researchers assessed the effects on a group of patients who received all standard therapies. The main characteristic of the selected patients was that their blood pressure remained poorly controlled despite pharmacological treatments.
Professor Carmine Vecchione, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Salerno, says: “In a percentage of patients, blood pressure control remains unsatisfactory despite treatments. We also know that high blood pressure reduces tolerance to exercise. This is a parameter that science recognizes as valid. It is an indicator of the cardiovascular situation.”
To overcome this condition, researchers wanted to find an additional antidote in nutraceuticals and such nutraceutical products. Selected patients, all receiving standard treatment, were divided into groups to test the effectiveness of the mixture of plant extracts compared to placebo. In addition, they conducted experiments on cell and animal models to highlight the biochemical mechanisms involved.
Study results on nutraceuticals
Doctor Albino Carrizzo, first author of the publication, says: “We have seen that patients we treat with this nutraceutical show an improvement in crucial parameters such as oxygen consumption, strength and endurance during physical exercise. These are indicators of more efficient functioning of the endothelium. Furthermore, cell and animal models have shown that this effect is due to an increase in nitric oxide in the blood.
This is an important element for vascular health. An interesting observation from our research is that the four substances only have a hemodynamic effect when they are combined. However, these are ineffective when used individually. So it’s a real synergistic action.”
However, it is important to emphasize that medicine should not view these results as an alternative to standard therapies. Hypertension is a very serious problem affecting a growing portion of the population. Accordingly, this often leads to serious pathologies. Patients must be aware that pharmacological treatments play a fundamental role in treating the problem. If future research confirms the results of theStudyconfirm, new nutraceutical products can be an adjunctive therapy.
