Anthocyanin-Rich Purple Corn Extract and Its Effects on the Blood Pressure of Adults

This small-scale pilot study studied the potential benefit of taking a concentrated dose of anthocyanin 300 mg once a day for 3 weeks (purple corn extract) on blood pressure among untreated Peruvian adults with mild-to-moderate hypertension. A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized crossover trial using intention-to-treat analysis was conducted on 30 healthy men and women who received care at the Dos de Mayo Hospital (Lima, Peru) between September 2010 and August 2011. The 4-phase study compared blood pressure readings on placebo and on purple corn extract. Blood pressure readings decreased from baseline levels to end of study, especially after taking a purple corn extract capsule for 3 weeks, regardless of age, gender, body mass index level, or initial average blood pressure reading. Individuals who had higher blood pressure readings at baseline showed the most marked reduction in systolic and diastolic readings. Additional study of the possible mechanisms of action and the pharmacokinetics of purple corn extract warrants further investigation.