Effects of safflower seed extract on arterial stiffness.
Safflower seed extract (SSE) contains characteristic polyphenols and serotonin derivatives (N-( p-coumaroyl) serotonin and N-feruloylserotonin), which are reported to inhibit oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), formation of atherosclerotic plaques, and improve arterial stiffness as assessed by pulse wave analysis in animal models. The effects of long-term supplementation with SSE on arterial stiffness in human subjects were evaluated. This doubleblind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 77 males (35-65 years) and 15 postmenopausal females (55-65 years) with high-normal blood pressure or mild hypertension who were not undergoing treatment. Subjects received SSE (70 mg/day as serotonin derivatives) or placebo for 12 weeks, and pulse wave measurements, ie, second derivative of photoplethysmogram (SDPTG), augmentation index, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were conducted at baseline, and at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Vascular age estimated by SDPTG aging index improved in the SSE-supplemented group when compared with the placebo group at four (P = 0.0368) and 12 weeks (P = 0.0927). The trend of augmentation index reduction (P = 0.072 versus baseline) was observed in the SSE-supplemented group, but reduction of baPWV by SSE supplementation was not observed. The SSE-supplemented group also showed a trend towards a lower malondialdehyde-modified-LDL autoantibody titer at 12 weeks from baseline. These results suggest long-term ingestion of SSE in humans could help to improve arterial stiffness.
Research Institute for Health Fundamentals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Kawasaki. katsuya_suzuki@ajinomoto.com
Katsuya
K
Suzuki
Shigekazu
S
Tsubaki
Masami
M
Fujita
Naoto
N
Koyama
Michio
M
Takahashi
Kenji
K
Takazawa
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000842:Ankle / Q000098:blood supply; D001158:Arteries / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D031187:Carthamus tinctorius / Q000737:chemistry*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058226:Plaque, Atherosclerotic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017698:Postmenopause; D011673:Pulsatile Flow / Q000187:drug effects; D012450:Safflower Oil / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; D010919:Placebos; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012450:Safflower Oil