Efficacy of quercetin and the role of endothelial protection in the treatment of patients with arterial hypertension

Introduction: The article presents the findings of a clinical trial investigating the impact of quercetin, as an adjunct to antihypertensive therapy, on endothelial function and daily blood pressure profiles.

The aim of the study. To conduct a comparative analysis of the impact of quercetin on 24-hour blood pressure monitoring parameters and cytokine profiles in patients with hypertension.

Materials and methods: A total of 120 patients with stage II hypertension (66 female and 54 male) were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group I (study) – 58 patients who took quercetin (Corvitin®) in addition to basic therapy; II group (comparison) – 62 patients who underwent only basic antihypertensive therapy (Ramipril/Amlodipine).

The results and disscusions: During the administration of quercetin along with the standard basic therapy with the combination of Ramipril/Amlodipine in patients with stage II hypertension of 2–3 degrees of severity, more pronounced significant in the major indices of 24-hour BPM were observed, an increase in the ratio of subjects with a „dipper“ profile due to a decrease in the number of patients with an insufficient reduction in nocturnal BP, an excessive drop in nocturnal BP or its persistent increase. Quercetin reduced markers of endothelial dysfunction, including sVCAM, sICAM-1, ET-1, IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α, more effectively than standard therapy alone. Standard antihypertensive therapy had a minimal effect on IL-1α and ET-1 levels.

Conclusion: The use of quercetin reliably reduces the levels of cytokines, which ensures a reduction in the manifestations of endothelial protection and contributes to better control of all blood pressure indices and normalization of the daily profile of blood pressure.

Keywords: endothelin-1, arterial hypertension, ramipril/amlodipine, quercetin