Antihypertensive Effects and Endothelial Progenitor Cell Activation by Intake of Chicken Collagen Hydrolysate in Pre- and Mild-Hypertension

Chicken collagen hydrolysate was given to 15 mildly hypertensive subjects for 4 weeks. Blood pressure was significantly decreased by 11.8 mmHg (P < 0.01). A reduction in plasma renin activity was observed in blood test after intake. A colony assay of endothelial progenitor cells in blood samples from non-smokers revealed an approximately 30% increase in the number of colonies.