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Nitrites Derived From Foneiculum Vulgare (Fennel) Seeds Promotes Vascular Functions
Author(s) -
Swaminathan Akila,
Sridhara Sree Rama Chaitanya,
Sinha Swaraj,
Nagarajan Shunmugam,
Balaguru Uma Maheswari,
Siamwala Jamila H,
Rajendran Saranya,
Saran Uttara,
Chatterjee Suvro
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of food science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1750-3841
pISSN - 0022-1147
DOI - 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2012.03000.x
Subject(s) - nitrite , angiogenesis , botany , chemistry , biology , food science , horticulture , ecology , nitrate , cancer research
Recent evidence has demonstrated that nitrites play an important role in the cardiovascular system. Fennel ( Foneiculum vulgare ) seeds are often used as mouth fresheners after a meal in both the Indian sub‐continent and around the world. The present study aims to quantify the nitrite and nitrates in fennel seeds as well as elucidating the effect of fennel derived‐nitrites on vascular functions. Results from our study show that fennel seeds contain significantly higher amount of nitrites when compared to other commonly used post‐meal seeds. Furthermore our study confirmed the functional effects of fennel derived‐nitrites using in vitro and ex vivo models that describe the promotion of angiogenesis, cell migration, and vasorelaxation. We also showed that chewing fennel seeds enhanced nitrite content of saliva. Thus our study indicates the potential role of fennel derived‐nitrites on the vascular system. Practical Application: This study is focused on determining the effect of fennel‐derived nitrites on angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels from pre‐existing ones), cell migration, and vasorelaxation (dilation of blood vessels) thereby preserving cardiovascular health.