Intake of Alpha-Linolenic Acid-Rich Perilla frutescens Leaf Powder Decreases Home Blood Pressure and Serum Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein in Japanese Adults

• Published in: Molecules Vol. 25; no. 9; p. 2099
• Main Authors: Hashimoto, Michio, Tanabe, Yoko, Hossain, Shahdat, Matsuzaki, Kentaro, Ohno, Miho, Kato, Setsushi, Katakura, Masanori, Shido, Osamu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI 30.04.2020; MDPI AG
• Subjects: a-linolenic acid; Adult; alpha-Linolenic Acid - administration & dosage; alpha-Linolenic Acid - chemistry; alpha-Linolenic Acid - pharmacology; atherosclerosis; biological antioxidative potential; Biomarkers; Blood Pressure - drug effects; Body Composition; Dietary Supplements; Drugs, Chinese Herbal - administration & dosage; Drugs, Chinese Herbal - chemistry; Drugs, Chinese Herbal - pharmacology; Erythrocyte Membrane - drug effects; Erythrocyte Membrane - metabolism; Fatty Acids - blood; Female; Humans; Japan; Lipid Metabolism - drug effects; Lipoproteins, LDL - blood; Male; Middle Aged; oxidized low-density lipoprotein; Perilla frutescens; Perilla frutescens - chemistry; Plant Leaves - chemistry; Powders - administration & dosage; systolic blood pressure; α-linolenic acid; Japan; atherosclerosis; Perilla frutescens; biological antioxidative potential; oxidized low-density lipoprotein; systolic blood pressure; a-linolenic acid
• ISSN: 1420-3049; 1420-3049
• DOI: 10.3390/molecules25092099

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) is known to be highly atherogenic. Thus, decreasing the blood levels of Ox-LDL through dietary means is an important approach to reduce cardiovascular events in high-risk individuals. In this randomized placebo-controlled human interventional trial, we aimed to evaluate whether Perilla frutescens leaf powder (PLP) ameliorates Ox-LDL and home blood pressure, along with its biological antioxidant potential. Healthy Japanese volunteers aged 30-60 years (n = 60) were randomized to PLP and placebo groups. The PLP group consumed PLP dried using a microwave under reduced pressure, and the placebo group consumed pectin fiber daily for 6 months. Home blood pressure, serum biochemical parameters, and fatty acid profiles of erythrocyte plasma membranes were analyzed. Plasma Ox-LDL levels significantly decreased in the PLP group but not in the placebo group. Mean changes in the biological antioxidant potential and alpha-linolenic acid levels in the erythrocyte plasma membrane were significantly increased in the PLP group than in the placebo group. In subjects with prehypertension (systolic blood pressure [SBP] ³ 120 mmHg), the mean reduction in morning or nocturnal SBP was significantly greater in the PLP group than in the placebo group. Thus, PLP intake may be an effective intervention to prevent cardiovascular diseases.