Potential curing and beneficial effects of Ooitabi ( Ficus pumila L.) on hypertension and dyslipidaemia in Okinawa

Autor: Yukiteru Katsumoto, Y Kishimoto, K Suzuki, Seiichi Takenoshita, Kenji Gonda
Rok vydání: 2020
Předmět:
Zdroj: Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
ISSN: 1365-277X
0952-3871
DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12806
Popis: 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.
Shisa is Okinawan lion (or lion dog) statue placed as talisman against evil at entrances, on roofs and on stone walls. Shisa holds Ooitabi leaves in its mouth (Fig. 2a).
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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