Potential curing and beneficial effects of Ooitabi (Ficus pumilaL.) on hypertension and dyslipidaemia in Okinawa

Background Over 30% of the population of Okinawa Prefecture have a high body mass index. The incidence of hypertension and dyslipidaemia has also increased in recent years. We found that Ooitabi (Ficus pumilaL.), a plant native to Okinawa, was useful for hypertension. During ancient times, the extracts of Ooitabi leaves were used for making Ishimaki tea in some areas of Okinawa Prefecture. The plants in Okinawa are rich in antioxidants, and four flavonoid glycosides, including rutin, have been identified in Ooitabi. Methods In the present study, we conducted clinical verification tests on the effects of drinking Ishimaki tea on outpatients with hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Of 3814 Japanese patients who underwent medical check-ups in Okinawa, 38 individuals with high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, liver dysfunction and gout visited our hospital as outpatients and were asked to drink Ishimaki tea. Results After 3 months, there were significant reductions in body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, gamma-glutamyltrans peptidase, uric acid and ratio of blood vessel insulin resistance. Conclusions Ooitabi extract can lower blood pressure and improve lipid abnormalities and has likely contributed to the well-known health and longevity of the population in Okinawa.

Automated summary

The study shows that drinking Ishimaki tea, made from Ooitabi leaves, can significantly reduce body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and improve insulin resistance among outpatients with hypertension and dyslipidemia. This suggests that Ooitabi extract may contribute to the health and longevity of the population in Okinawa.