Platelet reactivity in male smokers following the acute consumption of a flavanol-rich grapeseed extract.

Epidemiological studies suggest that a high dietary intake of flavanols, a subclass of flavonoids, is associated with reduced risk of vascular disease. Clinical studies have also shown that the consumption of certain flavanol-rich foods (e.g.

Cocoa flavanol-enriched snack bars containing phytosterols effectively lower total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

Background: Dietary intervention studies incorporating phytosterol-enriched margarine spreads have reported significant decreases in total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in populations with both normal lipid levels and those with hypercholesterolemia. There is emerging support for more diverse and lower-fat phytosterol-enriched matrixes. Controversy exists, however, over whether phytosterol-enriched foods affect serum fat-soluble vitamins.

Chronic consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa improves endothelial function and decreases vascular cell adhesion molecule in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women.

Endothelial dysfunction characterizes many disease states including subclinical atherosclerosis. The consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa and cocoa-based products has been shown to improve endothelial function in both compromised and otherwise normal, healthy individuals when administered either acutely or over a period of several days, or weeks. Women experience increased risk for cardiovascular disease after menopause, which can be associated with endothelial dysfunction.

Effect of apple extracts on NF-kappaB activation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

The mechanisms by which foods, such as fruit, are able to reduce the risk of chronic disease are still unclear. Several fruit products, including apples and apple juice, that are flavonoid-rich are reported to increase antioxidant levels in human subjects. This is supported by the finding from our previous studies that the chronic consumption of apple juice by human subjects reduced ex vivo low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation; we hypothesized that this was due to the flavonoid in the apple juice, which, as we reported earlier, reduced in vitro LDL oxidation.

Effects of flavonoid-rich beverages on prostacyclin synthesis in humans and human aortic endothelial cells: association with ex vivo platelet function.

Diets rich in flavonoids have been associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. This may be due, in part, to flavonoid-induced alterations in eicosanoid synthesis. Our objective was to identify plant-derived beverages that alter synthesis of prostacyclin in cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC), and to determine if these beverages could alter in vivo 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1alpha) (a stable metabolite of prostacyclin) synthesis and platelet function.

Food effects on the absorption and pharmacokinetics of cocoa flavanols.

Macronutrients in food and gastric acid are known to have a pronounced effect on the metabolism of many xenobiotics, an effect that impacts their efficacy as bioactive agents. In this investigation we assessed the impact of select food treatments and the histamine H(2)-receptor antagonist Famotidine (Pepcid-AC) on flavanol absorption and metabolism. Four crossover intervention studies were conducted with 6 subjects each.