PMID: 

Food Funct. 2011 Jun ;2(6):310-9. Epub 2011 May 26. PMID: 21779569

Abstract Title: 

Inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity by polyphenols from tea (Camellia sinensis) and links to processing method.

Abstract: 

The focus of this study was to investigate Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibiting activity across 34 teas (Camellia sinensis) produced by 5 different processing methods including green (GT), oolong (OT), white (WT), black (BT) and dark (DT) teas. In vitro ACE inhibitory activity was affected by the tea processing method with IC(50) values for ACE inhibition: green

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PMID: 

Eur J Pharmacol. 2014 May 5 ;730:125-32. Epub 2014 Mar 11. PMID: 24631256

Abstract Title: 

Antihypertensive effect of caffeic acid and its analogs through dual renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition.

Abstract: 

Hypertension is a crucial risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and contributes to one third of global mortality. In addition to conventional antihypertensive drugs such as captopril, naturally occurring phytochemicals and their analogs are used for reducing the risk and occurrence of hypertension. Herein, we demonstrate the possible use of caffeic acid and its derivatives in the treatment of hypertension through multi-target modulation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Caffeic acid along with its nineteen novel derivatives, chlorogenic acid, quercetin and captopril were all investigated for the inhibition of renin and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activities and production of aldosterone. Compound 22 with CH2CH(Ph)2 moiety exhibited the strongest renin inhibition (IC50=229µM) among all compounds tested (P≤0.05). Caffeic acid was the weakest renin inhibitor (IC50=5704µM) among all the compounds assayed. Similar to renin inhibition, compound 22 (IC50=9.1µM) also exhibited about 47 times stronger ACE inhibition compared to the parent compound. Analysis of aldosterone revealed that compound 8 with n-Pr moiety was the strongest modulator of aldosterone production among all the derivatives (P≤0.05). Toxicity analysis using human fibroblasts (WI-38 cells) confirmed the non-toxic manifestations of caffeic acid and its derivatives in comparison to clinically useddrug captopril.

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PMID: 

Eur J Nutr. 2017 Mar ;56(2):461-482. Epub 2016 Jul 7. PMID: 27388464

Abstract Title: 

Fruitflow: the first European Food Safety Authority-approved natural cardio-protective functional ingredient.

Abstract: 

Hyperactive platelets, in addition to their roles in thrombosis, are also important mediators of atherogenesis. Antiplatelet drugs are not suitable for use where risk of a cardiovascular event is relatively low. It is therefore important to find alternative safe antiplatelet inhibitors for the vulnerable population who has hyperactive platelets in order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Potent antiplatelet factors were identified in water-soluble tomato extract (Fruitflow), which significantly inhibited platelet aggregation. Human volunteer studies demonstrated the potency and bioavailability of active compounds in Fruitflow. Fruitflowbecame the first product in Europe to obtain an approved, proprietary health claim under Article 13(5) of the European Health Claims Regulation 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods. Fruitflowis now commercially available in different countries worldwide. In addition to its reduction in platelet reactivity, Fruitflowcontains anti-angiotensin-converting enzyme and anti-inflammatory factors, making it an effective and natural cardio-protective functional food.

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PMID: 

Sci Rep. 2018 04 3 ;8(1):5471. Epub 2018 Apr 3. PMID: 29615674

Abstract Title: 

Acute metabolic actions of the major polyphenols in chamomile: an in vitro mechanistic study on their potential to attenuate postprandial hyperglycaemia.

Abstract: 

Transient hyperglycaemia is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and endothelial dysfunction, especially in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. Nutritional interventions and strategies for controlling postprandial overshoot of blood sugars are considered key in preventing progress to the disease state. We have identified apigenin-7-O-glucoside, apigenin, and (Z) and (E)-2-hydroxy-4-methoxycinnamic acid glucosides as the active (poly)phenols in Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) able to modulate carbohydrate digestion and absorption in vitro as assessed by inhibition ofα-amylase and maltase activities. The latter two compounds previously mistakenly identified as ferulic acid hexosides were purified and characterised and studied for their contribution to the overall bioactivity of chamomile. Molecular docking studies revealed that apigenin and cinnamic acids present totally different poses in the active site of human α-amylase. In differentiated Caco-2/TC7 cell monolayers, apigenin-7-O-glucoside and apigenin strongly inhibited D-[U-C]-glucose and D-[U-C]-sucrose transport, and less effectively D-[U-C]-fructose transport. Inhibition of D-[U-C]-glucose transport by apigenin was stronger under Na-depleted conditions, suggesting interaction with the GLUT2 transporter. Competitive binding studies with molecular probes indicate apigenin interacts primarily at the exofacial-binding site of GLUT2. Taken together, the individual components of Chamomile are promising agents for regulating carbohydrate digestion and sugar absorption at the site of the gastrointestinal tract.

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While the world, at present, appears to be in an accelerating tailspin around the coronavirus outbreak, with very little if any hope provided through conventional medical approaches, the reality is that there are natural alternatives that already have been, and continue to be worth investigating.

The good news is that there have been a number of studies performed over the years on natural substances, which are relatively easy to access, are exceptionally affordable, have thousands of years of history among many cultures of safe use, and include culinary spices that may support your immunity while nourishing you deeply in these stressful times. 

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PMID: 

. PMID: 27516987

Abstract Title: 

The effect of Allium sativum (Garlic) extract on infectious bronchitis virus in specific pathogen free embryonic egg

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE:
Garlic is a plant has been used as a flavor, and anti-microbial and anti-diarrheal agent. Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a coronavirus. The available vaccines against IBV cannot cover new variants. This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of garlic extract on IBV.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The constituents of garlic extract were detected by gas chromatography. This study was done in four groups of embryonic SPF eggs; first group was used for virus titration; second group received the mixture of different virus titration and constant amount of garlic extract; third group received 10(-3) titration of virus and after 8 hr received garlic extract and the last group received different dilutions of garlic extract.

RESULTS:
Based on our results, in the second group, IBV vaccine strain (4/91) at all titration and M41 in 10(-2) and 10(-3) titration and in the third group both variants of virus the embryonic Index (EI) was significantly increased.

CONCLUSION:
The garlic extract had inhibitory effects on IBV in the chickens embryo.

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PMID: 

Redox Biol. 2019 09 ;26:101295. Epub 2019 Aug 8. PMID: 31421410

Abstract Title: 

Vitamin D receptor activation regulates microglia polarization and oxidative stress in spontaneously hypertensive rats and angiotensin II-exposed microglial cells: Role of renin-angiotensin system.

Abstract: 

Hypertension is one of the major predisposing factors for neurodegenerative disease characterized with activated renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in both periphery and brain. Vitamin D (VitD) is recently recognized as a pleiotropic hormone with strong neuroprotective properties. While multiple lines of evidence suggest that VitD can act on RAS, the evidence concerning the crosstalk between VitD and RAS in the brain is limited. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate whether VitD can modulate brain RAS to trigger neuroprotective actions in the brain of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Our data showed that calcitriol treatment induced VDR expression and inhibited neural death in the prefrontal cortex of SHR. Sustained calcitriol administration also inhibited microglia M1 polarization, but enhanced M2 polarization, accompanied with decreased expression of proinflammatory cytokines. We then further explored the potential mechanisms and showed that SHR exhibited overactivated classical RAS with increased expression of angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor type 1 (AT1), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and Ang II production, whereas the counteracting arm of traditional RAS, ACE2/Ang(1-7)/MasR, was impaired in the SHR brain. Calcitriol nonsignificantly suppressed AT1 and ACE but markedly reduced Ang II formation. Intriguingly, calcitriol exerted pronouncedly impact on ACE2/Ang(1-7)/MasR axis with enhanced expression of ACE2, MasR and Ang(1-7) generation. Meanwhile, calcitriol ameliorated the overactivation of NADPH-oxidase (Nox), the downstream of RAS, in SHR, and also mitigated oxidative stress. In microglial (BV2) cells, we further found that calcitriol induced ACE2 and MasR with no significant impact on ACE and AT1. In accordance, calcitriol also attenuated Ang II-induced Nox activation and ROS production, and shifted the microglia polarization from M1 to M2 phenotype. However, co-treatment with A779, a specific MasR antagonist, abrogated the antioxidant and neuroimmune modulating actions of VitD. These findings strongly indicate the involvement of ACE2/Ang(1-7)/MasR pathway in the neuroprotective mechanisms of VitD in the hypertensive brain.

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PMID: 

J Ethnopharmacol. 2020 Feb 10 ;248:112358. Epub 2019 Oct 30. PMID: 31676404

Abstract Title: 

Buddleja saligna Willd (Loganiaceae) inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme activity in oxidative cardiopathy with concomitant modulation of nucleotide hydrolyzing enzymatic activities and dysregulated lipid metabolic pathways.

Abstract: 

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Buddleja saligna Willd (Loganiaceae), mostly indigenous to South Africa is traditionally used in the treatment cardio-dysfunctional related ailments amongst other diseases.AIMS: The cardio-protective effect of B. saligna was investigated in ferric-induced oxidative cardiopathy.METHODS: Hearts harvested from healthy male SD rats were incubated with 0.1 mM FeSOto induce oxidative damage and co-incubated with B. saligna extract. Reaction mixtures without the extract served as negative control, while tissues without the extract or standard antioxidant (gallic acid) and pro-oxidant served as the normal control. The tissues were analyzed for levels of glutathione, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide as well as cholinergic, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), lipase, and purinergic enzymes activities, lipid profiles, fatty acid metabolic pathways and metabolites.RESULTS: Induction of oxidative damage significantly (p 

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PMID: 

Molecules. 2019 Oct 31 ;24(21). Epub 2019 Oct 31. PMID: 31683604

Abstract Title: 

Angiotensin-I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Activity of Coumarins from.

Abstract: 

The bioactivity of ten traditional Koreanspecies were screened by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) assay in vitro. Among the crude extracts, the methanol extract ofwhole plants exhibited potent inhibitory effects against ACE. In addition, the ACE inhibitory activity of coumarins-,-was evaluated, along with two phenolic acids (,) obtained from.. Among profound coumarins,-were determined to manifest marked inhibitory activity against ACE with ICvalues of 4.68-20.04µM. Compounds,, anddisplayed competitive inhibition against ACE. Molecular docking studies confirmed that coumarins inhibited ACE via many hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interactions with catalytic residues and zinc ion of C- and N-domain ACE that blocked the catalytic activity of ACE. The results derived from these computational and in vitro experiments give additional scientific support to the anecdotal use ofin traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension.

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PMID: 

Food Funct. 2019 Dec 11 ;10(12):7967-7972. PMID: 31750488

Abstract Title: 

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibiting ability of ethanol extracts, steviol glycosides and protein hydrolysates from stevia leaves.

Abstract: 

Efficient treatment of hypertension is vital. The inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme activity has been one of the major strategies for treating hypertension. The ethanol extract of stevia leaves, steviol glycosides (with 95% purity; natural sweeteners widely used in the food industry) isolated from the ethanol extract and stevia leaf protein hydrolysates inhibited 26.60%, 59.56% and 74.38% of angiotensin-converting enzyme activities, respectively. Their effect was dose-dependent, which can be beneficial for avoiding hypertension or hypotension just by the proper control of the amount of their intake, and it was found to be superior to that of pharmaceutical drugs. A sensory test indicated that the application of the mixtures of steviol glycosides and stevia protein hydrolysates to decaffeinated coffee or tea as well as a formulated peanut protein drink was found to be well accepted, and an animal test showed that they had a significantly antihypertensive effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Steviol glycosides and stevia leaf protein hydrolysates can be good ingredients for making functional or healthy food products or beverages targeted for the prevention or treatment of hypertension.

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