Blood vessel (i.e. vascular) dysfunction and increased clotting in cardiovascular disease is often from platelets that are extra sticky (i.e. hyperaggregation).
Sedentary and less active lifestyles increase the risk of blood vessel dysfunction from hyper active platelet binding.
Also, during this time there is an increase in free radicals leading to oxicdative stress.
Increased oxidative stress places the blood vessels at an increased risk for platelets binding leading to blood vessel dysfunction and even clots (i.e. thrombus).
Current anti-platelet drugs such as over the counter aspirin can be very effective, however, they have a variety of adverse effects. 
Anthocyanins are polyphenols with reported anti-platelet benefits which could be especially helpful for improving blood vessel function.
Anthocyanins are found in a variety of fruits and vegetables including strawberries, blackberries, red onions, cherries, blueberries, pomegranates and more.
This study published in the British Journal of Nutrition evaluated the potential of anthocyanins to normalize blood vessel function over a 4 week period.
Here are the study details
– Double blind randomized placebo controlled cross-over clinical trial
– 16 human volunteers participated in the study
– Volunteers consumed 320 milligrams per day of anthocyanins for or placebo
Here are more clinical trials with anthocyanins for health benefits.
– Anthocyanins were taken for 28 days
– The following biomarkers (i.e. lab tests) were evaluated: Biomarkers of thrombogenesis and platelet activation induced by ADP; platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen and arachidonic acid; biochemical, lipid, inflammatory and coagulation profile
Here are the main results
– Anthocyanins reduced monocyte aggregation (i.e. binding) was reduced by 39%
– Anthocyanins reduced platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 expression by 14%
– Anthocyanins reduced platelet activation-dependant conformational change by 10%
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– Anthocyianins reduced degranulation by reducing procaspase activating compound by 14%
– Anthocyanins reduced P-selectin expression by 14%
– Anthocyains reduced ADP-induced whole blood platelet aggregation by 29%
– Anthocyanins in this study did not change Arachidonic acid and collagen-induced platelet aggregation; biochemical, lipid, inflammatory and coagulation parameters
– The placebo group did not experience any changes in parameters tested.
Here are some comments by the authors
it is suggested that ACN could potentially act as a natural complementary therapeutic in pro-thrombotic sedentary population.
and
Further mechanistic studies comparing intervention of clopidogrel v. ACN in pro-thrombotic population is warranted.
Have you ever wondered if polyphenols from raspberries or blueberries are well absorbed click here and here to find out.
Take away message
Given the potential role of free radicals causing oxidative stress and blood vessel dysfunction, the results of this study suggest there is a potential role of polyphenols. Anthocyanins are found in a variety of berries including blackberries, raspberries, strawberries as well as pomegranates, red onion, cherries and more.
These studies along with another recent study with isoflavones suggests how our dietary choices could improve blood vessel function. Furthermore, anthocyanins and other polyphenols could actually protect our blood vessels.
Another interesting aspect of this study is that the human volunteers were sedentary or not active. Given the value of physical activity it would seem wise to be consuming anthocyanins in addition to regular exercise to improve blood vessel and heart function.
Reference:
The effect of anthocyanin supplementation in modulating platelet function in sedentary population: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. British Journal of Nutrition. 2017 Sep;118(5):368-374.
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Heart, Inflammation, Plant Extracts, Plant Medicine