Hypertension remains one of the leading causes of premature death globally, driving the burden of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Although effective antihypertensive drugs are widely available, long-term blood pressure control often proves difficult due to drug resistance, side effects, and poor patient adherence.
These challenges have intensified scientific interest in complementary strategies that can improve treatment outcomes without increasing medication burden. One emerging approach is the integration of conventional antihypertensive drugs with bioactive compounds found in everyday foods.
Recent research highlights the potential role of p-coumaric acid, a naturally occurring phenolic compound abundant in many fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, in enhancing blood pressure control. Phenolic compounds are well known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood vessel–protective properties.
In a study published in Comparative Clinical Pathology, researchers examined the combined effects of lisinopril, a commonly prescribed antihypertensive drug, and p-coumaric acid. The findings suggest that p-coumaric acid can enhance the blood pressure–lowering effect of lisinopril, potentially improving treatment effectiveness without increasing drug dosage.
Using an established animal model, hypertension was induced in rats through administration of L-NAME, a substance that suppresses nitric oxide production and elevates blood pressure. The animals were then treated for 14 days with p-coumaric acid, lisinopril alone, or a combination of both.
Untreated hypertensive rats showed increased activity of enzymes linked to high blood pressure—including ACE, arginase, acetylcholinesterase, and phosphodiesterase-5—along with elevated oxidative stress and reduced nitric oxide levels, which are critical for blood vessel relaxation.
However, rats receiving the combined treatment experienced significantly better outcomes. Blood pressure levels improved, harmful enzyme activities declined, oxidative stress was reduced, and nitric oxide levels increased. Similar protective effects were observed in heart tissues, underscoring the cardiovascular benefits of the combined approach.
Researchers noted that this drug–food interaction model could be particularly valuable for long-term hypertension management. Since many patients require lifelong medication, strategies that enhance drug efficacy while minimizing side effects are highly desirable.
The findings also reinforce the growing recognition that diet plays an active biological role in disease control, rather than serving merely as supportive care. The use of plant-based therapies for hypertension has deep roots in traditional medicine, and modern research is now providing scientific evidence to explain their benefits.
Although the study was conducted in animals and cannot yet be directly applied to humans, it opens the door for future clinical research into safe and effective dietary strategies that complement antihypertensive drugs.
Experts emphasize that further human studies are needed to determine appropriate dosages, safety, and real-world effectiveness. Nevertheless, the research points toward a future where smarter combinations of medicine and nutrition could deliver better and safer outcomes for people living with high blood pressure.
Nutrition known to support healthy blood pressure includes garlic, potatoes, walnuts, tomatoes and tomato products, legumes, and citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits. When combined with prescribed medication and healthy lifestyle choices, these foods may help strengthen the fight against hypertension.
Source- Nig Tribune