Effects of safflower seed extract on arterial stiffness.

Abstract

Safflower seed extract (SSE) contains characteristic polyphenols and serotonin derivatives (N-( p-coumaroyl) serotonin and N-feruloylserotonin), which are reported to inhibit oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), formation of atherosclerotic plaques, and improve arterial stiffness as assessed by pulse wave analysis in animal models. The effects of long-term supplementation with SSE on arterial stiffness in human subjects were evaluated. This doubleblind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 77 males (35-65 years) and 15 postmenopausal females (55-65 years) with high-normal blood pressure or mild hypertension who were not undergoing treatment. Subjects received SSE (70 mg/day as serotonin derivatives) or placebo for 12 weeks, and pulse wave measurements, ie, second derivative of photoplethysmogram (SDPTG), augmentation index, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were conducted at baseline, and at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Vascular age estimated by SDPTG aging index improved in the SSE-supplemented group when compared with the placebo group at four (P = 0.0368) and 12 weeks (P = 0.0927). The trend of augmentation index reduction (P = 0.072 versus baseline) was observed in the SSE-supplemented group, but reduction of baPWV by SSE supplementation was not observed. The SSE-supplemented group also showed a trend towards a lower malondialdehyde-modified-LDL autoantibody titer at 12 weeks from baseline. These results suggest long-term ingestion of SSE in humans could help to improve arterial stiffness.

• Authors: Katsuya Suzuki, Shigekazu Tsubaki, Masami Fujita, Naoto Koyama, Michio Takahashi, Kenji Takazawa
• Journal: Vascular health and risk management (Vasc Health Risk Manag) Vol. 6 Pg. 1007-14 (Nov 03 2010) ISSN: 1178-2048 [Electronic] New Zealand
• PMID: 21127697 (Publication Type: Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Lipoproteins, LDL
• Placebos
• Plant Extracts
• Safflower Oil

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Ankle (blood supply)
• Arteries (drug effects, physiopathology)
• Blood Pressure (drug effects)
• Carthamus tinctorius (chemistry)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Hypertension
• Lipoproteins, LDL (blood, drug effects)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Placebos
• Plant Extracts (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Plaque, Atherosclerotic (prevention & control)
• Postmenopause
• Pulsatile Flow (drug effects)
• Safflower Oil (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Seeds (chemistry)
• Treatment Outcome