Flavonoids in hypertension: a brief review of the underlying mechanisms. (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maaliki, Dina; Shaito, Abdullah A; Pintus, Gianfranco; El-Yazbi, Ahmed; Eid, Ali H
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in pharmacology. Volume 45(2019)
• Page Start: 57
• Page End: 65
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: Pharmacology -- Periodicals; Pharmaceutical Preparations -- Periodicals; Drug Therapy -- Periodicals; Biopharmaceutics -- Periodicals; Pharmacologie -- Périodiques; Pharmacology; Periodicals; 615.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2019.04.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-4892

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Different pathways implicated in the effects of flavonoids on blood pressure regulation. Highlights: Increased flavonoid consumption imparts antihypertensive benefits. Luteolin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Epicatechin, and Daidzein increase eNOS activity. Many flavonoids reduce oxidative stress and improve endothelial function. Many flavonoids induce vasodilation by modulating K + and Ca 2+ ion channels. Abstract : Flavonoids are a diverse group of bioactive polyphenolic compounds abundant in dietary plants and herbs. Regular consumption of flavonoids exerts cardio-vasculoprotective effects and may reduce the onset or progression of many cardiovascular diseases, particularly hypertension. Observational studies suggest inverse associations among either of these three combinations: a) anthocyanin intake and risk of myocardial infarction (MI), b) flavanone intake and risk of ischemic stroke and c) flavonol intake and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) show that catechins and quercetin impart significant blood pressure lowering effects. Mechanistically, flavonoids mediate their antihypertensive effects through increasing nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, reducing endothelial cell oxidative stress or modulating vascular ion channel activity. In this review, we focus on the six main subgroups of flavonoids, namely flavones, flavonols, flavanols, flavanones, anthocyanins, and isoflavones. We further discuss their antihypertensive effects, and their possible mechanisms of regulating blood pressure. We conclude by addressing the safety of these compounds as well as their potential use in hypertension management and treatment.