Effects of a fermented seeds of Parkia biglobosa based diet on blood pressure in sub-Saharan African populations: Open-label randomized trial

It is known that management of hypertension includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures.The latter recommends fruit and vegetable consumption due to their potassium and polyphenol richness.We assessed the effects of Fermented Seeds of Parkia biglobosa (FSPb) based diet on Blood Pressure (BP).Sixty-five adults were enrolled in a randomized, open-label, parallel-group clinical trial [Group 1 (G1), n = 33; Group 2 (G2), n = 32].Participants were followed during 112 days in three steps: pre-intervention (Day 0 to 28), intervention (Day 29 to 84 for G1; Day 57 to 84 for G2) and post-intervention (Day 85 to 112).Intervention consisted of a daily dietary regime of 5g of FSPb.BP and heart rate (HR) were assessed at Day 0, 28, 56, 84, and 112.The outcome measures were systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP) and HR.Compared with baseline values, significant decreases in SBP, DBP and HR were observed in both groups after short (28 days for G1 and G2) or medium (56 days for G1) duration intake of FSPb.Due to their content of various bioactive compounds, potassium and magnesium, FSPb may have beneficial effects on BP and HR in humans.