What The Dose?: Assessing the Effect of Different Doses of Arugula Extract Capsules on Blood Pressure and Endothelial Function

Authors

Autumn E. Andrews, Baylor UniversityFollow
Leroy K. Bolden, Baylor UniversityFollow
Andrew R. Gallucci, Baylor UniversityFollow
Tomas J. Chapman-Lopez, Tarleton State UniversityFollow
Mary C. Pickler, Baylor UniversityFollow
Olivia C. Russell, Baylor UniversityFollow
Katherine M. Lee, University of Southern MississippiFollow
Savannah V. Rauschendorfer, Baylor UniversityFollow

Abstract

The effects of consuming nitrate-rich crops and supplements such as beetroot juice and spinach on endothelial function and blood pressure (BP) via nitric oxide (NO) production have been well established in previous literature. However, limited literature exists on arugula supplementation (e.g., arugula extract) as a source of NO and its effect on vascular function.  PURPOSE: The present study assessed the effect of high and low doses of arugula extract (AE) on blood pressure, vascular measures, and nitrate/nitrite concentrations. METHODS: Eight apparently healthy participants completed a single-blind crossover design study. All participants were randomized for three conditions (3000mg, 6000mg, placebo). Blood samples, BP, and heartrate were collected at four timepoints (baseline, 1-HR, 2-HR, 3-HR) following ingestion. Flow mediated dilation (FMD was assessed at baseline and 3-HR post ingestion during each visit. RESULTS: Total NO and nitrate concentrations significantly increased from baseline to 3-HR in both AE conditions compared to the placebo (p p p p p < .001; 95% CI: 11.07, 21.43), with reductions from baseline of -8.63mmHg and -10.88mmHg at 3-HR post ingestion. FMD increased at 3-HR following both 3000mg (2.6%; p < .001; 95% CI: 1.74, 3.46) and 6000mg (2.21%; p < .001; 95% CI: 1.35, 3.08) compared to the placebo. CONCLUSION: AE supplementation at 3000mg is sufficient to induce acute reductions in BP, increases in NO/nitrate concentrations, and improve vascular function via FMD compared to placebo. 6000mg did not elicit an exaggerated response when compared to the 3000mg supplementation. Future studies should assess the potential benefit of AE supplementation in populations with impaired vascular health.

Recommended Citation

Andrews, Autumn E.; Bolden, Leroy K.; Gallucci, Andrew R.; Chapman-Lopez, Tomas J.; Pickler, Mary C.; Russell, Olivia C.; Lee, Katherine M.; and Rauschendorfer, Savannah V. (2026) "What The Dose?: Assessing the Effect of Different Doses of Arugula Extract Capsules on Blood Pressure and Endothelial Function," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 18, Article 31.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss18/31