Study suggests mechanism for tea's antihypertensive abilities
A new study has outlined one possible mechanism of action of tea compounds that involve the activation of ion channel proteins in the blood vessel wall, relaxing the structure and thus reducing blood pressure. The research team identifies two catechin-type flavonoid compounds, epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), that each activate the ion channel protein, KCNQ5. This ion channel controls potassium ions’ movement in and out of cells determining cellular excitability and also the relaxation of blood vessels. “We found by using compute...