Circulatory System

Anthocyanin-bromelain improved circulation

This is the first study to measure changes in circulation by combining naturally occurring anthocyanins in tart cherry and hawthorn with bromelain. In the study, 18 healthy adults, average age 24, took 480 mg of tart cherry, 465 mg of hawthorn extract, and 400 mg of bromelain, alternating with placebo in two separate phases.

While there were no significant changes during the placebo phases, during the anthocyanin-bromelain phases, participants had more flexible arteries, lower systolic blood pressure, significant increases in total antioxidant capacity, and more highly oxygenated red blood cells. Participants enjoyed the improvements while at rest and during exercise.

Discussing the findings, doctors said, “Our results revealed for the first time that an antioxidant-rich combination of anthocyanins and bromelain showed acute improvements in circulation, blood pressure, antioxidant capacity, and skeletal muscle oxygen transport, at rest or during exercise.”

Reference: Cambridge University Press; July, 2020, S0007114520002548

Ubiquinol rebalanced lipids

When lipids are out of balance, chances increase for poor circulation and hardening of the arteries. This study followed 48 men and postmenopausal women, aged 35 to 65, with LDL cholesterol levels between 130 and 200 mg/dL, moderate hardening of the arteries, and body mass index scores between 18.5 and 29.9. None were taking statins or other lipid-lowering treatments.

Participants took a placebo, 100 mg, or 200 mg of ubiquinol per day. After eight weeks, both ubiquinol groups saw better circulation and more flexible arteries, and less oxidation of LDL. Levels of nitric oxide—a molecule that helps blood vessels relax and dilate—increased significantly as the dose of ubiquinol increased.

Doctors said the results showed ubiquinol significantly improved blood vessel function by increasing nitric oxide levels.

Reference: Nutrients 2020, Vol. 12, No 4, nu12041098