Herbs And Phytochemicals: Chios Mastic Gum - A Natural Remedy For High Blood Pressure
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 08, 2024 2 months, 4 weeks, 1 day, 1 hour, 50 minutes ago
Herbs And Phytochemicals: Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a widespread health concern that significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. While many treatments exist, researchers are continually seeking effective natural alternatives with fewer side effects. Recent research has shed light on the potential of Chios mastic gum (CMG), a resin derived from the Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia tree, as a potent natural remedy for hypertension. This
Herbs And Phytochemicals news report delves into the study's findings and their implications for hypertension treatment.
Chios Mastic Gum - A Natural Remedy For High Blood Pressure
The study was conducted by a collaborative team of researchers from various esteemed institutions in Greece: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Harokopio University of Athens, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens and the Mastiha Research Center.
Understanding Chios Mastic Gum
Chios mastic gum, a resin obtained from the Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia tree, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Known for its diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and cardioprotective effects, CMG's potential as a treatment for hypertension had not been fully explored until now.
Study Objectives and Methodology
The primary aim of this study was to investigate the antihypertensive effects of CMG and understand its impact on vascular and renal health. To achieve this, the researchers used two models of hypertension in male rats:
-Angiotensin II Model: Hypertension was induced by infusing Angiotensin II via osmotic minipumps.
-DOCA-High Salt Model: Hypertension was induced by administering Deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) combined with a high-salt diet.
The rats received CMG at a dose of 220 mg/kg daily for four weeks. Throughout the study, the researchers employed advanced techniques such as RNA sequencing, metabolomics, real-time PCR, and Western blot analyses to assess the effects of CMG on blood pressure and tissue health.
Significant Findings
-Reduction in Blood Pressure
One of the most noteworthy findings was that CMG significantly lowered systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure in both models of hypertension. This indicates that CMG has strong potential as a natural antihypertensive agent, offering a promising alternative to conventional treatments.
-Gene Expression Modulation
Through RNA sequencing, the researchers discovered that CMG modulated gene expression in distinct ways depending on the hypertension model:
In the Angiotensin II model, CMG influenced immunity-related pathways, notably enhancing the innate immune response and reducing oxidative
stress.
In the DOCA-high salt model, CMG impacted metabolic pathways, improving cellular respiration and energy metabolism.
-Metabolomic Changes
The metabolomic analysis revealed that CMG enhanced endothelial homeostasis by upregulating lysophosphatidylinositol, a molecule crucial for maintaining vascular health. This suggests that CMG not only lowers blood pressure but also improves the overall health of the blood vessels.
-Endothelial Protection
Further investigation showed that CMG had protective effects on the endothelium, the thin membrane lining the inside of the heart and blood vessels. The researchers observed increased expression of antioxidant and endothelial-targeted genes, which are essential for protecting the vascular system from damage.
Broader Implications for Hypertension Treatment
These findings highlight the potential of Chios mastic gum as a natural, multifaceted approach to managing hypertension. By lowering blood pressure and enhancing vascular and renal health, CMG could reduce the risk of hypertension-related complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
The study also underscores the importance of natural products in developing new treatments for chronic diseases. CMG’s diverse pharmacological properties and minimal side effects make it an attractive candidate for further research and development in the field of hypertension therapy.
Conclusion
Chios mastic gum emerges from this study as a promising natural remedy for hypertension. Its ability to lower blood pressure, modulate immune and metabolic pathways, and protect endothelial health makes it a valuable addition to the arsenal of treatments available for hypertension patients.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/13/2152
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