Blood Pressure Lowering Activity of Katsuobushi oligopeptide

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and the chief risk factor for stroke and heart failure, and also can lead to kidney damage.

The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) defines optimal blood pressure as below 120/80,

When the arteries become hard due to the build-up of plaque containing cholesterol, blood pressure rises.

Some of the important lifestyle factors which may cause high blood pressure include stress, lack of exercise, and smoking.

Some of the dietary factors include: obesity; high sodium to potassium ratio; low fiber, high sugar diet; high saturated fat and low omega-3 fatty acid intake; and a diet low in calcium, magnesium and vitamin C.

These same factors are known to also impact the ability of the kidneys to regulate fluid volume and control blood pressure.

You are diagnosed as prehypertensive if your systolic blood pressure is in the range of 120 to 129 and your diastolic ranges between 80–89mmHg. Your doctor may not prescribe any antihypertensive drug and would recommend instead a non-medicinal approach to lowering blood pressure. Diet, lifestyle modification, and proper supplementation should be the first steps.

Katsuobushi is a traditional Japanese food made from dried Bonita fish (a member of the tuna family). It is used to make soup stock and to season food. Katsuobushi oligopeptide has been found to moderately inhibit ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) activity (1).

This enzyme converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II - a compound that increases both the fluid volume and the degree of constriction of the blood vessels. Narrowing the diameter of the blood vessels sends up the blood pressure.

By inhibiting the formation of angiotensins, Katsuobushi oligopeptide relaxes the arterial walls and reduce fluid volume, thus lowering blood pressure.

Thus Katsuobushi oligopeptide can be a useful supplementation in the maintenance of optimal blood pressure.

Nevertheless, adhering to your healthcare professional's recommendations, eating wisely, exercise and a positive mindset remain crucial aspects in lowering or bringing your blood pressure under control.

1. Fujita H, Yasumoto R, Hasegawa M, Ohshima K. Antihypertensive activity of "Katsuobushi Oligopeptide" in hypertensive and borderline hypertensive subjects. Jpn Pharmacol Ther 1997;25:147-51.

Photo: http://1.bp.blogspot.com

This scientific review was written by the Zestzfulness Team