Discovering anti-heart attack weapons from a bowl of rice and a cup of morning coffee

In a study recently published in the Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, Japanese scientists have discovered a compound found in rice and coffee that can prevent heart attacks.

The study, led by scientists at Toho University in Japan, used pig coronary arteries, which are very similar to human heart arteries. They tested the effects of ferulic acid, a natural compound found in rice, coffee, and some vegetables, on coronary artery spasms caused by chemical stimulation, according to the science news site Scitech Daily.

A compound found in rice and coffee may prevent heart attacks

Photo: AI

Coronary artery spasm is a sudden narrowing of the coronary arteries, which can cause angina, heart attack, and other serious cardiovascular problems.

The results found that ferulic acid can effectively prevent coronary artery spasm by targeting calcium channels and muscle proteins.

Ferulic acid prevents coronary artery spasm through two mechanisms.

Research has revealed two main effects of ferulic acid:

Prevents calcium from entering muscle cells through L-type calcium channels, which are normally responsible for causing arteries to constrict.

Prevents arteries from constricting by inhibiting the activation of a specific protein called myosin light chain, which is essential for muscle contraction.

Coronary artery spasm is a sudden narrowing of the coronary arteries, which can cause angina, heart attack, and other serious cardiovascular problems.

Photo: AI

More effective than medicine

Surprisingly, ferulic acid was even more effective than Diltiazem, a widely used drug to dilate blood vessels.

Since ferulic acid is derived from plants and is considered safe, it has the potential to be a healthy food ingredient or the basis for future heart drugs, said lead researcher Dr Kento Yoshioka, from the Department of Chemical Pharmacology at Toho University.

This research opens the door to new, natural ways to support heart health, possibly through diet or supplements in the future, according to Scitech Daily.

Coffee, rice... contain ferulic acid

Ferulic acid is found in some grains, seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Cooking often increases the amount of ferulic acid, especially in grains.

This substance is found in the cell walls of many plants, including: Coffee, rice, wheat, oats, apples, pineapple, artichokes, whole grains, peanuts, grapes, coriander, spinach, tomatoes, eggplant, corn, oranges, and tangerines, according to the health news site Verywell Health.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/phat-hien-vu-khi-chong-dau-tim-tu-bat-com-va-tach-ca-phe-sang-185250615103058186.htm