This technology utilizes lancemaside A, a saponin found in Codonopsis lanceolata (deodeok), or extracts containing it, as an active ingredient for pharmaceutical compositions and functional foods aimed at preventing and treating hypertension. It works by suppressing the overexpression of eNOS and NF-κB in vascular tissue and increasing serum nitric oxide levels to restore blood pressure to normal ranges.
Conventional antihypertensive drugs, such as diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin-related medications, are designed for management rather than prevention, often requiring lifelong use and carrying risks of side effects like electrolyte imbalances. Furthermore, there has been a lack of natural alternatives to address the vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis driven by dysfunctional eNOS and NF-κB activation under oxidative stress without causing adverse effects.
This technology leverages the ability of lancemaside A to correct vascular inflammatory signaling and eNOS dysfunction while increasing nitric oxide, a vasodilator. It can be formulated into both pharmaceuticals and foods by adding carriers, additives, or flavorings. As it uses Codonopsis lanceolata, a food with a long history of consumption, it offers easy sourcing and a favorable safety profile. It can be applied to functional health foods, natural blood pressure medications, and high-value ingredients for processed foods, providing a dietary-based approach to vascular health before the need for lifelong synthetic medication.
This invention was developed with research support from the Korea Forest Service on the cardiovascular mechanisms and clinical interventions of Codonopsis lanceolata extract.
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