The Beneficial Dietary Hypotensive and Hypolipidaemic Effects of Hyphaene Thebaica ( Doum )

Background: The use of Doum palm fruit which is rich in flavonoids (polyphenols) , saponins and tannins in folk medicine is not surprising. Objectives: This study was done to clarify the role of Doum (Hyphaene thebaica), as a medicinal plant containing flavonoids, saponins and tannins, on blood pressure, blood lipids and lipoproteins in hypertensive patients. Methods: Thirty female patients who were hypertensive, obese and hyperlipidemic were used in the study that extends to 3 months. They were divided into 2 groups each group consisted of 15 patients (control group received antihypertensive drug with similar dose, and Doum group received the same antihypertensive drug with the same dose. and agreed to consume an oral supplement of Doum in a daily dose of 25 mg/kg body weight). Blood pressure, plasma lipids and lipoproteins were followed up in all patients for 3 months. Blood samples were obtained after a 12 to 14 h fast. Concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, apoA-I and apoB were measured. LDL was calculated according to the Friedewald equation.The recorded values were expressed as means and standard deviations (Mean ±SD). The statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS statistical Package version 12. Results: Compared with the control patients, supplementation with Doum caused a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure, diastolic B.P., total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, apoB-concentrations and LDL/HDL ratio, while significantly increasing the concentrations of HDL and apoA-I. Conclusion:These results confirm the benefits of Doum including lowering blood pressure in hypertensive patients and changing blood lipids and lipoproteins in a manner that decreases the risk on the cardiovascular system. More studies are needed support these benefits of Doum.