Antonio Zarzuelo Zurita is in charge of the research group Pharmacology of natural products, at the University of Granada. Thay are trying to verify if certain active constituents can prevent or even cure hypertension and other ailments such as colon cancer or diabetes in their laboratories at the Cartuja Campus. According to the results of the research work, fibre and flavonoids which can be found in fruit, vegetables and pulses are beneficial to such sick persons. Individuals who have a tendency to contract these diseases may take more time to develop hypertension or diabetes, or even control the disease with smaller doses.
These researchers have to isolate these compounds. “We do not design a diet, we just confirm that the compounds can really be found in food and we provide nutritionists with the information”, Zarzuelo points out. After that, they check that the beneficial effects appear in animal models.
The wine paradox
Research works related to prevention are receiving particular attention in the research group directed by Prof. Zarzuelo.
The wine paradox, which points out that a diet containing such drink, rich in polyphenols, helps to prevent cardiovascular problems, has been analysed to know the antioxidant effect of polyphenols and their protective effect on the vascular endothelium, reducing the risk of hypertension. Results with quercetin, a type of polyphenol which can be found in fruit and vegetables as, for example, apple and onions, have been good in rats. These substances protect from the damage caused by superoxide anion and avoid NO destruction; such effects reduce endothelial damage and can stimulate the relaxation of blood vessels, preventing hypertension.
It has been traditionally proved that fibre plays a key role in colon cancer. To find the reasons for this, Professor Zarzuelo´s group has focused its análisis on butirate. This compound is produced in fibre fermentation process. Colon epithelium obtains part of its energy from butirate, which shows powerful anticancer effects.
Dietary balance
Plantago ovata seed has a 35% soluble fibre content and a 65% insoluble fibre content, a proportion that has given very good results in treating inflammatory bowel disease in animals. The diet should be designed according to such proportion. This way, patients would receive vitamines, minerals and antioxidants typical of unblemished fruti like fruti and pulses.
But it is a job for nutritionists. This group does not test in humans; they just determine which natural substances can be used to cure and prevent, why and where they can be found. “If fibre comes from food, it is much better that if it comes from supplements”, Zarzuelo says, whose group collaborates with private companies of the stature of Puleva Biotech, Madaus or Uriach.
Further information: Prof. Antonio Zarzuelo Zurita
Pharmacology of natural products research group
Department of Pharmacology.
Phone number: 958 24 38 90.
E-mail: zarzuelo@ugr.es
