Introduction: Vascular health can be affected by foods rich in polyphenols such as, berries, fruits and vegetables. Polyphenol rich products improve vascular function and lower blood pressure both in experimental and clinical studies. In our previous studies, lingonberry juice improved endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and reduced expression of ant-inflammatory and antithrombotic markers (Kivimäki et al., 2011, 2012). AIMS: To test low dose of lingonberry juice on systolic blood pressure (SBP), endothelial function and inflammatory markers in long-term treatment in SHR.

Methods: 

Six-weeks old male SHR were given diluted (1:5) cold-compressed lingonberry juice ad libitum for eight weeks. Control group received tap water. Systolic blood pressure and heart rate were measured weekly. Mesenteric artery relaxation and biochemical markers was measured at the end of the intervention.

Results: 

After eight weeks of treatment, systolic blood pressure was significantly (p=0.006) lower in the lingonberry group (172 ± 3.5 mmHg) vs. the control group (193 ± 5.4 mmHg). Heart rate was slightly, but not significantly, lower in the lingonberry group and vascular relaxation improved.

Conclusions: 

Cold-compressed lingonberry juice lowers systolic blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats. This result confirms the potential role of lingonberry as a part of cardioprotective diet.

References: 

Kivimäki AS et al. 2011. Journal of Functional Foods. 4, 267–274; Kivimäki AS et al. 2012. Journal of Functional Foods. 4, 496–503.