ACUTE EFFECTS OF CHLOROGENIC ACID ON NITRIC OXIDE STATUS, ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION AND BLOOD PRESSURE IN HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS: A RANDOMISED TRIAL
C. Bondonno Ann Nutr Metab 2013;63(suppl 1):1598
Background and objectives: There is mounting evidence that specific dietary polyphenols can enhance vascular health
by augmenting nitric oxide. Our aim was to investigate the acute effects of chlorogenic acid, an important dietary phenolic acid present in coffee, on nitric oxide status, endothelial function and blood pressure.
Methods: Healthy men and women (n=23) were recruited to a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over
trial. The acute effects of chlorogenic acid (400 mg, equivalent to 2 cups of coffee) were compared to a control. Measurements
included biomarkers of plasma nitric oxide status, assessed by measuring S-nitrosothiols + other nitroso species (RXNO) and
nitrite; endothelial function, assessed by measuring flow mediated dilatation (FMD) and blood pressure.
Results: Chlorogenic acid resulted in significantly higher plasma concentrations of chlorogenic acid (P<0.001). Relative
to control, mean post-treatment systolic blood pressure (-2.41 mm Hg, 95% CI: -0.03, -4.78; P=0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (-1.53 mm Hg, 95% CI: -0.05, -3.01; P=0.04) were significantly lower with chlorogenic acid. Markers of nitric oxide status (P>0.10) and the measure of endothelial function (P=0.60) were not significantly influenced.
Conclusions: Chlorogenic acid can lower blood pressure acutely; an effect which if sustained would benefit cardiovascular health.