Clinical investigation of the acute effects of pomegranate juice on blood pressure and endothelial function in hypertensive individuals

BACKGROUND:Pomegranate juice (PJ) is rich in bioactive phytochemicals with antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective functions. The present trial investigated the acute effects of PJ consumption on blood pressure and markers of endothelial function. METHODS:In this single-arm study, thirteen hypertensive men aged ۳۹–۶۸ years were recruited. Included subjects were assigned to natural PJ (۱۵۰ ml/day) following a ۱۲ hour fast. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and flow-mediated dilation (FMD), along with serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), intracellular adhesion molecule-۱ (ICAM-۱), vascular cell adhesion molecule ۱ (VCAM-۱), E-selectin and interleukin-۶ (IL-۶) were measured at baseline and ۴-۶ hours after PJ consumption. RESULTS:Comparison of pre- vs. post-trial values revealed a significant reduction in both SBP (۷%; P = ۰.۰۱۳) and DBP (۶%; P < ۰.۰۱۰). However, changes in FMD (۲۰%) as well as circulating levels of CRP, ICAM-۱, VCAM-۱, E-selectin, and IL-۶ did not reach statistical significance (P = ۰.۱۷۲). CONCLUSION:PJ has promising acute hypotensive properties. Consumption of PJ could be considered in the context of both dietary and pharmacological interventions for hypertension.   Keywords: Punica Granatum L., Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension, Inflammation, Endothelium-Dependent Dilation