Functions of Chitosan-Ferulic Acid Salt for Prevention of Hypertension

Abstract

A chitosan (CS)-ferulic acid (FA) salt was prepared. FA release from CS-FA and bile acid (BA) adsorption by CS-FA were investigated in vitro. CS-FA released FA into artificial gastric juice or a medium containing BA. Two functions were recognized on alginate or pectin gel beads containing CS-FA: FA release and BA adsorption. Anti-hypertensive effects of CS, FA or CS-FA on hypertensive rats were tested. In rats given a diet containing CS-FA or FA, elevation of systolic blood pressure was suppressed compared to the control diet group, but no difference in food intake or body weight was observed between groups.