Dark chocolate improves coronary vasomotion and reduces platelet reactivity.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Dark chocolate has potent antioxidant properties. Coronary atherosclerosis is promoted by impaired endothelial function and increased platelet activation. Traditional risk factors, high oxidative stress, and reduced antioxidant defenses play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, particularly in transplanted hearts. Thus, flavonoid-rich dark chocolate holds the potential to have a beneficial impact on graft atherosclerosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS:

We assessed the effect of flavonoid-rich dark chocolate compared with cocoa-free control chocolate on coronary vascular and platelet function in 22 heart transplant recipients in a double-blind, randomized study. Coronary vasomotion was assessed with quantitative coronary angiography and cold pressor testing before and 2 hours after ingestion of 40 g of dark (70% cocoa) chocolate or control chocolate, respectively. Two hours after ingestion of flavonoid-rich dark chocolate, coronary artery diameter was increased significantly (from 2.36+/-0.51 to 2.51+/-0.59 mm, P<0.01), whereas it remained unchanged after control chocolate. Endothelium-dependent coronary vasomotion improved significantly after dark chocolate (4.5+/-11.4% versus -4.3+/-11.7% in the placebo group, P=0.01). Platelet adhesion decreased from 4.9+/-1.1% to 3.8+/-0.8% (P=0.04) in the dark chocolate group but remained unchanged in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Dark chocolate induces coronary vasodilation, improves coronary vascular function, and decreases platelet adhesion 2 hours after consumption. These immediate beneficial effects were paralleled by a significant reduction of serum oxidative stress and were positively correlated with changes in serum epicatechin concentration.

• Authors: Andreas J Flammer, Frank Hermann, Isabella Sudano, Lukas Spieker, Matthias Hermann, Karen A Cooper, Mauro Serafini, Thomas F Lüscher, Frank Ruschitzka, Georg Noll, Roberto Corti
• Journal: Circulation (Circulation) Vol. 116 Issue 21 Pg. 2376-82 (Nov 20 2007) ISSN: 1524-4539 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 17984375 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Flavonoids

Topics

• Blood Platelets (drug effects, physiology)
• Cacao
• Candy
• Coronary Angiography (methods)
• Coronary Vessels (drug effects, physiology)
• Double-Blind Method
• Endothelium, Vascular (drug effects, physiology)
• Flavonoids (administration & dosage)
• Heart Transplantation (methods)
• Humans
• Platelet Adhesiveness (drug effects, physiology)
• Vasodilation (drug effects, physiology)
• Vasomotor System (drug effects, physiopathology)