Under Pressure: Arugula Extract's Effect on Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Individuals

The purpose of this randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was to investigate the acute effects of arugula extract (AE) supplementation on blood pressure, endothelial function, and circulating nitric oxide (NO) metabolites in individuals with elevated to stage 1 hypertension. Hypertension is a major contributing factor to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is commonly associated with endothelial dysfunction and impaired NO bioavailability. Dietary nitrate supplementation has demonstrated beneficial effects on cardiovascular health through the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway. Although nitrate-rich supplements such as beetroot juice have been extensively investigated, limited research has examined the vascular effects of arugula extract in individuals with hypertension. Sixteen adults between the ages of 18 and 50 years with elevated to stage 1 hypertension participated in the study. Participants completed two experimental conditions in randomized order: 4,000 mg of arugula extract, providing approximately 400 mg of dietary nitrate, and 4,000 mg of psyllium husk placebo. Each condition was separated by a minimum 72-hour washout period to minimize potential carryover effects. During each experimental condition, participants underwent baseline cardiovascular and vascular assessments before consuming the assigned supplement. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and venous blood samples were collected at baseline and 1, 2, 3, and 24 hours following supplementation. Endothelial function was assessed through brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) at baseline, 3 hours, and 24 hours post-supplementation. Blood samples were analyzed to assess circulating nitrate, nitrite, and total NO metabolites. The primary objective was to determine whether acute arugula extract supplementation improved endothelial function and reduced blood pressure compared with placebo. Secondary objectives included evaluating changes in circulating NO metabolites. This investigation sought to determine the potential of arugula extract as a dietary nitrate intervention for improving vascular health in individuals with elevated blood pressure.