04/15/2019 / By Michelle Simmons
Cardiovascular disease leading to heart failure is the leading cause of death around the world. Many studies have shown that consuming foods high in cholesterol, which promotes inflammation and oxidative stress, can contribute to the development of these diseases. A new study suggests that eating maoberry (Antidesma bunius) can help prevent cardiovascular diseases because of its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
For the study, a team of researchers at Mahidol University in Thailand sought to determine the effects of maoberry on oxidative stress and inflammation in cardiac tissues of rats with high cholesterol levels — which damages the heart. It is believed that preventing or reducing the progression of heart tissue deterioration could help in cardiovascular diseases.
In conducting the study, the research team fed rats with a high-fat diet to increase their cholesterol levels. Then, they gave them either a maoberry extract at doses of 0.38, 0.76 or 1.52 grams per kilogram (g/kg) or 10 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of simvastatin (a lipid-lowering drug) every day for 12 weeks.
Based on their analysis, the treatment with maoberry extract resulted in a significant reduction in oxidative stress, as well as an enhanced antioxidant capacity in the heart tissue of the rats. In addition, the treatment dramatically improved the expressions of genes involved with inflammation, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS).
Overall, the findings of the study suggest that maoberry extract may be used as a natural, alternative treatment for cardiovascular disease because of its ability to reduce oxidative stress and fight inflammation. These findings were published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Maoberry is an antioxidant-rich fruit commonly found in Southeast Asia and South Asia. It is known in various names, such as bignay, Chinese laurel, blackcurrant tree, and salamander tree to name a few. Various parts of this plant, such as root, bark, leaves, and fruits, offer many health benefits. Some of the benefits you can get from the maoberry plant include the following.
ReverseHeartDisease.news has more articles and studies on protecting your heart.
Sources include:
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Tagged Under: alternative medicine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, cardiovascular disease, food cures, food is medicine, heart disease, heart health, herbal medicine, Herbs, maoberries, natural cures, natural medicine, prevention, remedies