An interventional study of Arugula Extract and Psyllium Husk in Hypertension (HTN) and Hypertension, sponsored by Baylor University. Completed at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 50 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-10-29.
Sponsored by Baylor University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Supportive care
The purpose of this randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was to investigate the acute effects of arugula extract (AE) supplementation on blood pressure, endothelial function, and circulating nitric oxide (NO) metabolites in individuals with elevated to stage 1 hypertension. Hypertension is a major contributing factor to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is commonly associated with endothelial dysfunction and impaired NO bioavailability. Dietary nitrate supplementation has demonstrated beneficial effects on cardiovascular health through the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway. Although nitrate-rich supplements such as beetroot juice have been extensively investigated, limited research has examined the vascular effects of arugula extract in individuals with hypertension.
Sixteen adults between the ages of 18 and 50 years with elevated to stage 1 hypertension participated in the study. Participants completed two experimental conditions in randomized order: 4,000 mg of arugula extract, providing approximately 400 mg of dietary nitrate, and 4,000 mg of psyllium husk placebo. Each condition was separated by a minimum 72-hour washout period to minimize potential carryover effects.
During each experimental condition, participants underwent baseline cardiovascular and vascular assessments before consuming the assigned supplement. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and venous blood samples were collected at baseline and 1, 2, 3, and 24 hours following supplementation. Endothelial function was assessed through brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) at baseline, 3 hours, and 24 hours post-supplementation. Blood samples were analyzed to assess circulating nitrate, nitrite, and total NO metabolites.
The primary objective was to determine whether acute arugula extract supplementation improved endothelial function and reduced blood pressure compared with placebo. Secondary objectives included evaluating changes in circulating NO metabolites. This investigation sought to determine the potential of arugula extract as a dietary nitrate intervention for improving vascular health in individuals with elevated blood pressure.
6,114 studies on the registry are indexed under Hypertension; 912 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 16 is below the median of 100 across 4,575 interventional studies indexed under Hypertension.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Example: 70 kg and 1.75 m gives 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) ≈ 22.9.
What counts as overweight or obesity differs between countries (some use lower cut-offs), so go by the range the study states.
BMI (body mass index)
Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Example: 70 kg and 1.75 m gives 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) ≈ 22.9.
What counts as overweight or obesity differs between countries (some use lower cut-offs), so go by the range the study states.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Participants in this arm will receive a single dose of 4,000 mg of arugula extract during the experimental condition, followed by a minimum 72-hour washout period. Participants subsequently receive a single oral dose of 4,000 mg psyllium husk (placebo) during the second experiential condition.
Dietary Supplement: Arugula Extract
Participants in this arm will receive a single dose of 4,000 mg of psyllium husk (placebo) during the experimental condition, followed by a minimum 72-hour washout period. Participants subsequently receive a single oral dose of 4,000 mg arugula extract during the second experiential condition.
Dietary Supplement: Psyllium Husk
Participants consume a single oral dose of 4,000 mg arugula extract (AE), providing approximately 400 mg of dietary nitrate (10% nitrate concentration). Arugula Extract is administered in capsule form following baseline cardiovascular and vascular assessments. Blood pressure, heart rate, and blood biomarkers are assessed at baseline, 1, 2, 3, and 24 hours following supplementation. Flow-mediated dilation is assessed at baseline, 3 hours, and 24 hours.
Participants consume a single oral dose of 4,000 mg psyllium husk as the placebo condition. The placebo is administered in capsule form following baseline cardiovascular and vascular assessments. Blood pressure, heart rate, and blood biomarkers are assessed at baseline, 1, 2, 3, and 24 hours following supplementation. Flow-mediated dilation is assessed at baseline, 3 hours, and 24 hours.
Endothelial Function
Measured Via brachial artery flow-mediated dilation.
Time frame: Baseline, 3-hours post supplementation, 24-hours post supplementation
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure will be measured using an automated oscillometric sphygmomanometer to determine systolic and diastolic blood pressure in mmHg.
Time frame: Baseline, 1-hour post consumption , 2-hours post consumption, 3-hours post consumption, and 24-hours post consumption
Biomarker of Nitric Oxide
Nitrate and Nitrite are biomarkers of nitric oxide quantified through blood samples analysis. Measured with Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
Time frame: Baseline, 1-hour post consumption , 2-hours post consumption, 3-hours post consumption, and 24-hours post consumption
Heart Rate
Heart rate will be measured in conjunction with blood pressure using an automated oscillometric sphygmomanometer to determine beats per minute in bpm)
Time frame: Baseline, 1-hour post consumption , 2-hours post consumption, 3-hours post consumption, and 24-hours post consumption
Plan to share: No
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From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
This study is completed, as verified in Oct 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Studies of the drug tested here: Psyllium husk
Baylor University