Effects of blackcurrant extract on arterial functions in older adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial

Purpose: Blackcurrant extract mainly contains anthocyanins. Several reports suggest that anthocyanins have beneficial effect for cardiovascular functions. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of 7-day intake of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract on arterial functions, e.g. arterial stiffness, and serum lipids. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design study with a washout period of 28 days was conducted. Fourteen older adults participated in this study (age 73.3 ± 1.7 years). Participants took either a 7-day course of placebo or two capsules of NZBC extract (each 300 mg capsule contains 35% blackcurrant extract). Participants took one of the two trials first and then took the other after a washout period. Carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity, an index of central arterial stiffness, and central blood pressure were measured at baseline and again at the end of the 7-day study period. Results: Compared to baseline, carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (P = 0.03) and central blood pressure (P = 0.02) decreased significantly after the 7-day study period with NZBC intake. In addition, carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (P = 0.04) and central blood pressure (P = 0.001) in the NZBC intake trial decreased significantly more than in the placebo intake trial. No effects were observed on serum lipids. Conclusion: These results suggest that short-term NZBC intake reduces central arterial stiffness and central blood pressure in older adults. Therefore, anthocyanin-rich blackcurrants might be beneficial for maintaining or improving cardiovascular health as an alternative to pharmaceutical medications.