High blood pressure is often managed with ACE inhibitors. These medications work by interfering with the renin-angiotensin system. When kidneys detect low blood pressure, they release renin, an enzyme that triggers the formation of angiotensin I. This protein is then converted by the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the lungs into angiotensin II, a potent chemical that constricts blood vessels. This constriction increases blood pressure.
ACE inhibitors prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, allowing blood vessels to remain dilated and blood pressure to decrease. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) work similarly, by blocking the action of angiotensin II directly.
ProStolicâ„¢ from Melaleuca offers a natural approach, featuring bioactive casein hydrolysate tripeptides. These tripeptides act as a natural blocker to angiotensin II formation. The formula also includes pomegranate juice powder, which inhibits the angiotensin-converting enzyme. Passionflower extract is another key ingredient, believed to regulate neurotransmitters that reduce anxiety, thanks to its flavonoid and alkaloid compounds, particularly chrysin, which calms the central nervous system and helps lower blood pressure.
ProStolicâ„¢ combines these tripeptides, pomegranate juice powder, and passionflower extract with potassium and calcium, creating a comprehensive natural remedy to promote healthy blood flow and maintain healthy blood pressure without the common side effects of medications.
Tripeptides are created when milk casein is broken down. Isoleucine-Proline-Proline (IPP) and Valine-Proline-Proline (VPP) have demonstrated significant efficacy, safety, and bioavailability in research. Melaleuca’s ProStolicâ„¢ includes a natural bioactive hydrolyzed casein (a combination of tripeptides IPP and VPP), derived from nonfat milk casein, clinically proven to help maintain healthy blood pressure. Studies indicate that daily consumption of IPP and VPP can lower blood pressure within 2 weeks, stabilizing after 4-6 weeks.
Like ACE inhibitors, tripeptides block the formation of Angiotensin II. However, studies suggest that IPP and VPP tripeptides achieve this without the adverse effects often associated with ACE inhibitors and ARBs. An 8-week placebo-controlled, double-blind study in 2001 involving 30 participants with mild to moderate hypertension showed a significant decrease in blood pressure in the IPP and VPP group, with no adverse reactions reported.
Over 20 human clinical trials have examined IPP and VPP peptides in the last decade, including more than 10 double-blind studies on the tripeptide formulation in Melaleuca’s blend. A 1996 placebo-controlled study of elderly hypertensive patients, many already on medication, showed a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure after 4 and 8 weeks, while the placebo group saw no significant changes.
A British Journal of Nutrition article detailed a single-blinded, placebo-controlled study of 131 individuals with high-normal blood pressure or mild hypertension. The researchers concluded that hydrolyzed casein containing IPP and VPP could help prevent hypertension in those with elevated blood pressure.
Melaleuca’s ProStolic also incorporates other natural hypertension treatments, including pomegranate juice, passion flower, potassium, and calcium. The benefits of these natural ingredients will be further explored in Part 3.