2007 Volume 54 Issue 2 Pages 75-81
We previously reported that gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) was contained in potato and potato snacks. In addition, it is well known that potato contains abundant amounts of potassium. It is therefore expected that potato containing GABA and potassium will have a reductive effect on blood pressure.
In this study, the effects of a single oral administration of potato snacks on blood pressure (BP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normal-blood-pressure rats (WIST) were investigated. The concentrations of plasma GABA and GABA contained in potato snacks were measured by HPLC, and blood pressure was measured by the tail-cuff method.
After 30 minutes, plasma GABA concentration was transiently increased in GABA-enriched potato snacks as well as GABA standard solution. Moreover, 4-8 hours after administration of certain types of snack product made mainly from potato (placed on the market), a significant lowering of SBP and DBP was observed in SHR, but no effects were observed in WIST. In contrast, a product made mainly from wheat flour (not containing GABA) had no influence on BP. Furthermore, ingestion of GABA-enriched potato snacks (1.7mg/kg b.w.) resulted in a reduction in SBP to about 35mmHg.
These results show that GABA from potato snacks is absorbed and may be detected in plasma, and has a dose-related reductive effect on BP.
