Abstract

Antioxidant agents have been reported to impact measures of vascular health. Methods: Using a crossover design, 10 men and women ingested a botanical agent known as Delphinol® (an extract of maqui berries) at a dosage of 60mg, 120mg, and 180mg for one week, with a one-week washout period between each dose. Before and following the intervention periods, the perfusion index (PI) was measured after 5 minutes of brachial artery occlusion, while blood nitrate/nitrite was measured before and following occlusion. Results: No statistically significant differences were noted between conditions for nitrate/nitrite or for the change in PI from pre- to post-occlusion (p>0.05). However, there was a ~20% increase in the PI from pre- to post-occlusion for the 180mg condition, with much less of an increase noted for the other doses. Conclusion: A lower dosage of Delphinol® does not influence the PI following brachial artery occlusion; however, a dosage of 180mg taken for one week may have an impact on vascular function, as indicated by the PI. Future studies involving a longer time course of treatment may be needed to more fully elucidate the impact of Delphinol® on vascular function.