1. Previously, we found that Angelica keiskei extract (
ethyl acetate extract from the yellow liquid of stems) elevated serum
high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and reduced liver
triglyceride content in
stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). To identify the active substance in A. keiskei extract, we examined the effect of
4-hydroxyderricin, a characteristic
chalcone isolated from the yellow liquid of stems, on blood pressure and lipid metabolism in SHRSP. 2. Six-week-old male SHRSP were fed diets containing 0.07%
4-hydroxyderricin for 7 weeks with free access to the diet and water. Elevation of systolic blood pressure was significantly suppressed after 7 weeks treatment. Serum
very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels were significantly reduced, without any effect on HDL levels, and were associated with a significant decrease in the serum concentration of
free fatty acids. 3. In the liver, significant decreases in relative liver weight and
triglyceride content were found
after treatment with
4-hydroxyderricin for 7 weeks. 4. An investigation of hepatic
mRNA expression of
proteins involved in lipid metabolism indicated that a significant decrease in microsomal
triglyceride transferprotein may be responsible for the decrease in serum VLDL levels and that significant decreases in
adipocyte determination and differentiation factor 1 and
fatty acid synthase may be responsible for the decrease in hepatic
triglyceride content. 5. In conclusion, dietary
4-hydroxyderricin produces suppression of the elevation of systolic blood pressure, reduction of serum VLDL levels and a decrease in hepatic
triglyceride content in SHRSP.