Cardiovascular research institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences ARYA Atherosclerosis Journal 1735-3955 9 6 2013 11 15 Clinical investigation of the acute effects of pomegranate juice on blood pressure and endothelial function in hypertensive individuals 326 331 10378 EN Sedigheh Asgary Professor, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran 0000-0001-7724-4802 Mahtab Keshvari Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Amirhossein Sahebkar Assistant Professor, Biotechnology Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Mohamad Hashemi Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Mahmoud Rafieian-Kopaei Professor, Medical Plants Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran 0000-0003-3190-7863 Journal Article 2013 04 11 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 39–68 years were recruited. Included subjects were assigned to natural PJ (150 ml/day) following a 12 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-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured at baseline and 4-6 hours after PJ consumption. RESULTS:Comparison of pre- vs. post-trial values revealed a significant reduction in both SBP (7%; P = 0.013) and DBP (6%; P < 0.010). However, changes in FMD (20%) as well as circulating levels of CRP, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin, and IL-6 did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.172). 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  https://arya.mui.ac.ir/article_10378_098d86c982354a96556bd861823ebfbd.pdf