Suzuki K, Gonda K, Kishimoto Y, Katsumoto Y, Takenoshita S. Potential curing and beneficial effects of
Ooitabi (Ficus pumila L.) on hypertension and dyslipidaemia in Okinawa.
J Hum Nutr Diet 2021;
34:395-401. [PMID:
32845065 PMCID:
PMC8048928 DOI:
10.1111/jhn.12806]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Over 30% of the population of Okinawa Prefecture have a high body mass index. The incidence of hypertension and dyslipidaemia has also increased in recent years. We found that Ooitabi (Ficus pumila L.), a plant native to Okinawa, was useful for hypertension. During ancient times, the extracts of Ooitabi leaves were used for making Ishimaki tea in some areas of Okinawa Prefecture. The plants in Okinawa are rich in antioxidants, and four flavonoid glycosides, including rutin, have been identified in Ooitabi.
METHODS
In the present study, we conducted clinical verification tests on the effects of drinking Ishimaki tea on outpatients with hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Of 3814 Japanese patients who underwent medical check-ups in Okinawa, 38 individuals with high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, liver dysfunction and gout visited our hospital as outpatients and were asked to drink Ishimaki tea.
RESULTS
After 3 months, there were significant reductions in body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, γ-glutamyltrans peptidase, uric acid and ratio of blood vessel insulin resistance.
CONCLUSIONS
Ooitabi extract can lower blood pressure and improve lipid abnormalities and has likely contributed to the well-known health and longevity of the population in Okinawa.
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