Natural compound found in rice and coffee may help relax heart arteries


A natural compound found in rice and coffee may help relax heart arteries
Ferulic acid blocks calcium from entering muscle cells through L-type calcium channels, which normally cause the arteries to contract. Even when calcium isn’t involved, it still prevents artery tightening by stopping a specific protein (myosin light chain) from being activated, which is essential for muscle contraction. Credit: Kento Yoshioka

Sudden narrowing of the coronary arteries—called coronary artery spasms—can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attacks, and other serious heart problems. Now, a research group has discovered that ferulic acid, a natural compound found in rice, coffee, and certain vegetables, can help prevent these spasms in two different ways.

The study is published in the Journal of Pharmacological Sciences. The team was led by Dr. Kento Yoshioka, Dr. Keisuke Obara, and Professor Yoshio Tanaka from the Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University.

Using porcine (pig) coronary arteries, which closely resemble human heart arteries, the researchers found that ferulic acid significantly reduced artery contractions caused by chemical triggers.

The study revealed two key actions of ferulic acid:

  1. It blocks calcium from entering through L-type calcium channels, which normally cause the arteries to contract.
  2. Even when calcium isn’t involved, it still prevents artery tightening by stopping a specific protein (myosin light chain) from being activated, which is essential for .

Surprisingly, ferulic acid was sometimes even more effective than diltiazem, a widely used medication for relaxing blood vessels.

“Because ferulic acid is plant-based and considered safe, it may have potential as a health food ingredient or even as a foundation for future heart medications,” said lead researcher Dr. Yoshioka.

This research opens the door to new, natural ways of supporting heart health—possibly through diet or supplements in the future.

More information:
Kento Yoshioka et al, Inhibitory effects of ferulic acid on the contraction responses of porcine coronary arteries: a comparison with diltiazem, Journal of Pharmacological Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2025.04.006

Provided by
Toho University


Citation:
Natural compound found in rice and coffee may help relax heart arteries (2025, May 20)
retrieved 20 May 2025
from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-natural-compound-rice-coffee-heart.html

This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no
part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.





Source link

Visited 1 times, 1 visit(s) today

Related Article

What is ‘coffee rave’, the new music and cafe trend brewing in KL?

KUALA LUMPUR, June 1— There’s a new party trend making waves across town — you go clubbing to dance music, but not at night… and certainly there is no alcohol involved. Get your latte on and join in these “coffee raves”. Imagine a nightclub with a DJ and upbeat music, but with a twist. Instead

This Zwilling coffee maker is 25% off at Nordstrom right now

If your coffee maker has started leaking, making weird noises, or just feels like it belongs in another decade, this no-fuss upgrade might be worth checking out. The Zwilling Enfinigy 12-Cup Drip Coffee Maker is 25% off at Nordstrom right now — down to $149.99. Zwilling 12-cup drip coffee maker $149.99 $199.99 SCA-certified for time

How Much Caffeine Is In A Tall Starbucks Decaf Coffee?

Monticelllo/Getty Images We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. After weaning yourself off caffeine, it can be satisfying to enjoy a rich, flavorful cup of Starbucks decaf coffee. Unlike some competing brands, the decaf tastes almost identical to the real-deal buzzy version. However, before

India’s latest coffee hub? Beans and brews offer new hope to Nagaland | Agriculture

Dimapur, Mokokchung, Wokha, Chumoukedima and Kohima, India — With its high ceilings, soft lighting and brown and turquoise blue cushioned chairs, Juro Coffee House has the appearance of a chic European cafe. Sitting right off India’s National Highway-2, which connects the northeastern states of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur, the cafe hosts a live roastery unit

Highlights from World of Coffee Jakarta

Here’s a recap of our favorite sights from the recent World of Coffee Jakarta event—including the winners of the 2025 World Brewers Cup. BY TIGGER CHATURABULBARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE Featured image by Bhavi Patel What. A. Show. There are many distinctions that set World of Coffee Jakarta apart, such as being the first World of Coffee

Meraki Tech x TIMEMORE Home Espresso Machine

With a built-in coffee grinder, scale, and temperature-sensitive steam wand, Meraki’s home espresso machine seeks to do it all. Join us as we put it to the test. BY EMILY JOY MENESESONLINE EDITOR Featured image courtesy of Meraki Tech Based in Hong Kong, Meraki is a bit of a fresh face in the specialty-coffee world,

Tom N Toms Coffee Launches First U.S. Corporate Store in Houston

Grand Opening Set for May 30-31 with Exclusive Egg Box Menu and Local Coffee Roasting HOUSTON, TX – Tom N Toms Coffee, the internationally recognized Korean cafe brand with over 400 locations worldwide, is opening its first-ever corporate-owned U.S. store in Houston’s Spring Branch neighborhood. The new location at 4145 Gessner Rd will celebrate its

Keurig K-Duo Hot & Iced Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker is 25% off

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. It’s the summertime, readers. It’s nearly June! Can you believe it? Memorial Day weekend has already come and gone! If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to pack your

Production Decline Predicted Amid Weather and Regulatory Volatility

Daily Coffee News Staff | May 29, 2025 Colombia’s coffee production is forecast to decline by 5.3% in the 2025/26 market year, reaching the equivalent of 12.5 million 60-kilogram bags, according to the latest USDA estimates. The projected decline follows a strong 2024/25 harvest but reflects damage from excessive rainfall that hindered flowering and fruit

Coffee Machine Market Set to Witness Significant Growth

Pressure Vessels Market The Global Coffee Machine Market is estimated to be valued at USD 7.53 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 10.89 Bn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from 2025 to 2032. The Latest research study released by Coherent Market Insights on the Coffee Machine

A Tour of the Best Cafés in Athens, Greece

We explore four noteworthy coffee shops in the ancient city. BY MICHAELA TOMCHEKBARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE Photos by Michaela Tomchek Athens, Greece, is one of the oldest cities in the world, known around the globe for its rich history, awe-inspiring mythology, and beautiful weather. The city, which is Greece’s capital, hugs the Aegean Sea, and along its

Hello Kitty Gives Morning Caffeine Lovers the Ultimate Kawaii Coffee Fix

Hello Kitty is always sugary sweet, and her presence is certain to put a smile on the faces of fans at any hour of the day. Now, Sanrio enthusiasts can get a cup o’ kitty and start the day off right with a new favorite household appliance. The new “Hello Kitty Single Cup Coffee Maker

Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker by De’Longhi is 35% off

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Every morning, you wake up to a developing story. Breaking: Local 9-to-5’er Experiences Tiredness. That’s the headline. The subhead might look something like: Employee Faces a Long Day of Work,

Weather Helps Production Though Smallholders Challenged

Daily Coffee News Staff | May 28, 2025 Nicaragua’s coffee production is forecast to hold steady at the equivalent of approximately 2.58 million 60-kilogram bags in the 2025/26 market year, consistent with recent historical trends, according to the latest USDA estimates. Rising international prices have encouraged farmers to increase fertilizer use and improve field maintenance,

Coffee Shop Market to Reach USD 290.24 Billion by 2032

Global Coffee Shop Market to Reach USD 290.24 Billion by 2032, Growing at a CAGR of 3.5% The global coffee shop market is experiencing steady growth, projected to expand from USD 220.41 billion in 2024 to USD 290.24 billion by 2032, registering a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.5% during the forecast period. This

Meet the Coffee Businesses Fighting for a More Equitable Industry

In an effort to create more equality from farm to cup, these coffee shops and roasteries are putting farmers at the forefront of their work. BY JODEE FOKBARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE Photos by Ariel Ngan Often dubbed the artistic capital of Thailand, Chiang Mai is renowned for its countless bustling artisan and handicraft markets. But scattered

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x