Research on Spirulina and Blood Pressure Reduction

Introduction to Spirulina

Italian researchers have explored various compounds derived from digested spirulina to determine their potential in lowering high blood pressure. Spirulina is a nutrient-dense preparation made from dried bacteria, known for its health benefits. Evidence suggests that consuming spirulina can enhance the immune system and assist in treating heart disease, although the mechanisms behind these effects remain unclear. Understanding these mechanisms could pave the way for developing new, more effective medications for high blood pressure and related heart conditions.

Study Findings Published in Hypertension

A team of Italian researchers has been investigating spirulina’s properties, aiming to clarify how it might contribute to lowering blood pressure. Their results were published in the journal *Hypertension*.

Digesting Spirulina into Peptides

The researchers simulated the digestion of spirulina using digestive enzymes, replicating its breakdown in the human digestive tract. This process led to the identification of various peptides, which are small fragments of proteins. The team tested these peptides on blood vessels extracted from mice. Notably, one peptide, designated SP6, demonstrated the ability to relax these isolated blood vessels. Relaxation of blood vessels allows them to widen, facilitating increased blood flow and a subsequent decrease in blood pressure.

Effects of SP6 on Rodents

Laboratory rodents, including mice and rats, are frequently employed to evaluate the effectiveness of potential antihypertensive drugs. In their study, the researchers administered peptide SP6 to healthy lab mice, observing a reduction in systolic blood pressure exceeding 10%. This effect began two hours post-consumption and persisted for an additional six hours. Other peptides derived from spirulina did not exhibit any impact on blood pressure.

The team also evaluated SP6 in rats genetically predisposed to high blood pressure. Similar to the results in mice, blood pressure began to decline two hours after the peptide was ingested, remaining low for at least six hours. At its lowest, the blood pressure of the treated rats approached healthy levels.

Future Research Directions

While numerous claims have been made regarding the health benefits of spirulina, this study specifically focused on its digestive products and identified SP6 as a potential agent for lowering blood pressure. Future research is essential to determine whether SP6 could be utilized alongside existing antihypertensive medications for human patients.

However, this study only examined the effects of single doses of SP6 over short durations. Further investigations are required to assess whether this peptide can maintain low blood pressure levels with repeated use over extended periods. Additionally, comprehensive testing is necessary to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SP6 in human subjects.

Conclusion

The findings from this research open new possibilities for utilizing natural compounds in managing hypertension. Continued exploration of spirulina and its peptides may lead to innovative treatments that enhance patient care.

References

Carrizzo, A., Conte, G. M., Sommella, E., Damato, A., Ambrosio, M., Sala, M., Scala, M. C., Aquino, R. P., Lucia, M. D., Madonna, M., Sansone, F., Ostacolo, C., Capunzo, M., Migliarino, S., Sciarretta, S., Frati, G., Campiglia, P. & Vecchione, C. Novel Potent Decameric Peptide of Spirulina platensis Reduces Blood Pressure Levels Through a PI3K/AKT/eNOS-Dependent Mechanism. *Hypertension* (2018). https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.118.11801

From a molecule of natural origin new therapeutic opportunities against hypertension. Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed I.R.C.C.S. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-12/inmn-fam122718.php