A study from Temple University has found that bainiku-ekisu, an infused juice concentrate made from the Japanese plum, may offer a new treatment for hypertension. This research indicates that bainiku-ekisu can protect against inflammation and vascular hypertrophy, thereby lowering cardiovascular disease risk—an important concern for the nearly 122 million Americans affected by high blood pressure. Traditional medications alone are insufficient for managing hypertension and its complications, prompting the search for alternative therapies.
Bainiku-ekisu has been recognized as a health supplement in Japan since the 18th century, although the raw Ume fruit contains toxins. In experiments with mice subjected to induced hypertension, those receiving bainiku-ekisu showed no signs of high blood pressure and minimal aortic hypertrophy compared to controls. The study also suggested that bainiku-ekisu might prevent metabolic changes linked to hypertension by inhibiting a shift to glycolysis, which contributes to oxidative stress and inflammation.
Dr. Satoru Eguchi, the study’s senior investigator, plans to identify the specific compounds in bainiku-ekisu responsible for its beneficial effects, highlighting the potential of multiple compounds working synergistically as a more effective treatment option for hypertension.
