Effect of Vaccinium myrtillus and its polyphenols on angiotensin-converting enzyme activity in human endothelial cells

J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Jun 10;57(11):4626-9. doi: 10.1021/jf900128s.

Abstract

This study investigates if the connection between Vaccinium myrtillus and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) might be an explanation of the pharmacological effects on circulation. Cultured endothelial cells from human umbilical veins were incubated with bilberry 25E extract. The main anthocyanidins combined in myrtillin chloride and separately in cyanidin, delphinidin, and malvidin, respectively, were examined concerning their effects on ACE. After 10 min of incubation with bilberry 25E, a significant, dose-dependent inhibition of ACE activity was seen, and after incubation with myrtillin chloride a significant inhibition was seen. No effect was seen with the anthocyanidins. The effect seems to be dependent on this specific mixture of anthocyanins in the bilberry. V. myrtillus may thus have the potential to prevent and protect against cardiovascular diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Anthocyanins / pharmacology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endothelial Cells / drug effects
  • Endothelial Cells / enzymology*
  • Flavonoids / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / metabolism*
  • Phenols / pharmacology*
  • Plant Extracts
  • Polyphenols
  • Umbilical Veins / cytology
  • Umbilical Veins / enzymology
  • Vaccinium myrtillus / chemistry*

Substances

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Anthocyanins
  • Flavonoids
  • Phenols
  • Plant Extracts
  • Polyphenols
  • Vaccinium myrtillus extract
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A