Larch wood contains a volatile substance that can block the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which causes many diseases of the heart and blood vessels, Russian researchers found. The results were based on experiments in rats. Experimental data published in the European Journal of Pharmacology.
“We recently found out that the activity of the ACE enzyme and the associated formation of aggressive molecules in the aorta of rats increases after exposure to ionizing radiation at doses used in tumor radiotherapy. We have studied how flavonoids of various classes affect this process,”the press service of the Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences said.
Polyphenols, which include flavonoids, are mainly found in plants. Experiments have shown that these substances are often sources of antioxidants, anti-allergens and anti-cancer molecules.
The flavonoids in tea leaves have been shown to reduce the development of ovarian cancer in women who frequently drink tea, and experiments with cocoa polyphenols have shown a reduced risk of dementia in cocoa and chocolate drinkers.
Also, flavonoids are able to prevent heart attack, atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. At the time of the experiments, the researchers did not find out why the substances so affect the body, so they did not understand which flavonoids are most ideal in the fight against these diseases.
During irradiation with radiation, a large amount of ACE is produced in the cells of the vessels of rats, which is responsible in the body for controlling the pressure in the vessels, Russian biophysicists found out during experiments. The enzyme triggers the process of vasoconstriction and destruction, and flavonoids block the action of oxidants that have produced ACE and the enzyme itself.
Observing the actions of different flavonoids, scientists came to the conclusion that dihydroquercetin, which is part of larch, is the most ideal for combating cardiovascular diseases.