Effect of Citrus paradisi extract and juice on arterial pressure both in vitro and in vivo

Abstract

Citrus paradisi (grapefruit) consumption is considered as beneficial and it is popularly used for the treatment of a vast array of diseases, including hypertension. In the present study, the coronary vasodilator and hypotensive effects of Citrus paradisi peel extract were assessed in the Langendorff isolated and perfused heart model and in the heart and lung dog preparation. In both models, Citrus paradisi peel extract decreased coronary vascular resistance and mean arterial pressure when compared with control values (60 +/- 15 x 10(7) dyn s cm(-5) vs 100 +/- 10 x 10(7) dyn s cm(-5) and 90 mmHg vs 130 +/- 15 mmHg, respectively). These decreases in coronary vascular resistance and mean arterial pressure were blocked when isolated and perfused hearts and mongrel dogs were pre-treated with L-NAME. In humans, Citrus paradisi juice decreased diastolic arterial pressure and systolic arterial pressure both in normotensive and hypertensive subjects. Citrus paradisi juice produced a greater decrease in mean arterial pressure when compared with Citrus sinensis juice, cow milk and a vitamin C-supplemented beverage. However, more detailed studies are required to isolate, purify and evaluate the chemical compounds responsible for this pharmacological effect and to clarify its possible role for treating hypertension.

Phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of grapefruit (Star Ruby): A comparison between fresh freeze-dried fruits and different powder formulations

“…In recent years, the phenolic compounds present in grapefruit have been investigated, and some publications have suggested that they could play an important role in the antioxidant capacity of grapefruit juice (Gorinstein et al, 2005;Xu et al, 2008), which has been related with the prevention of different chronic diseases including heart disease, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer (Mertens-Talcott, Zadezensky, De Castro, Derendorf & Butterweck, 2006;Vanamala, Reddivari, Yoo, Pike, & Patil, 2006;Díaz-Ju arez et al, 2009). Some epidemiological studies also pointed to the consumption of grapefruit brings benefits in weight loss and improve lipid metabolism (Dow, Going, Chow, Patil, & Thomson, 2012;Gorinstein et al, 2005).…”

Inhibitory Effect of Grapefruit Juice on the Genotoxic Damage Induced by Ifosfamide in Mouse

“…GJ has been reported to decrease diastolic and systolic arterial pressure in normotensive and hypertensive subjects, suggesting a potential effect for the treatment of hypertension [5]. Rats given grapefruit increased their antioxidant status as well as their bone density due to bone mineral deposition and slowed-down bone turnover, suggesting then a beneficial role of this fruit in osteoporosis [6]; also, extracts from its seeds tested in diabetic rats lowered the content of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol to a level similar to that obtained with the drug, metformin, an action which suggests a useful effect of grapefruit in the management of diabetic patients [4].…”

“…The plant possesses carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals and other compounds such as flavonoids, coumarins and hydroxicynamic acids. The consumption of grapefruit has been suggested to give rise to beneficial activities regarding cardiac diseases, diabetes, bone quality and urinary tract infections [4][5][6][7].…”

Prophylactic Effects of Polymethoxyflavone-Rich Orange Peel Oil on Nω-Nitro-L-Arginine-Induced Hypertensive Rats

“…The phenolic extract from grapefruit peels was shown to inhibit α-amylase-, α-glucosidase-and angiotensin-I-converting enzymes in a dose-dependent manner [44]. In another study, a grapefruit peel extract was able to decrease coronary vascular resistance and the mean arterial pressure in a Langendorff isolated and perfused heart model [45]. Nevertheless, most of these studies used raw extract of citrus peel.…”