Pyrogallol-Phloroglucinol-6,6'-Bieckol from Ecklonia cava Improved Blood Circulation in Diet-Induced Obese and Diet-Induced Hypertension Mouse Models

Blood circulation disorders, such as hyperlipidemia and arteriosclerosis, are not easily cured by dietary supplements, but they can be mitigated. Although Ecklonia cava extract (ECE), as dietary supplements, are associated with improving the conditions, there are not many studies verifying the same. In this study, the beneficial effect of ECE and leaf of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), which is a well-known dietary supplement, were first confirmed in a diet induced-obese model. Afterwards, 4 phlorotannins were isolated from ECE, and their inhibitory effects on vascular cell dysfunction were validated. Pyrogallol-phloroglucinol-6,6-bieckol (PPB) was selected to be orally administered in two mice models: the diet induced obese model and diet induced hypertension model. After four weeks of administration, the blood pressure of all mice was measured, after which they were subsequently sacrificed. PPB was found to significantly improve blood circulation, including a reduction of adhesion molecule expression, endothelial cell (EC) death, excessive vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration, blood pressure, and lipoprotein and cholesterol levels. Based on the excellent efficacy in diet-induced mouse models of obese and hypertension, our results demonstrate that PPB is a valuable active compound from among the phlorotannins that were isolated and it has the potential to be used in functional foods for improving the blood circulation.