Haskap Berry Powder for High Blood Pressure

Overseen By Semone Myrie, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Manitoba

Must not be taking: Pseudoephedrine, Anti-inflammatories, Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus

Disqualifiers: Gluten allergies, Cardiovascular diseases, Visual impairments, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 11

32 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the potential of haskap berry powder in managing high blood pressure. Participants will receive either the berry powder or a control powder to determine any differences in blood pressure. The study includes a washout period, allowing each participant to try both powders without knowing which is which. Women aged 35 or older, with a waist circumference of at least 35 inches and blood pressure within a certain range, may be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could lead to new methods of managing high blood pressure.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial excludes participants using medications containing pseudoephedrine, other anti-inflammatory drugs, cyclosporine, or tacrolimus. If you are taking these, you would need to stop. For other medications, the protocol does not specify, so it's best to discuss with the trial team.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this treatment is likely to be safe for humans?

Research shows that haskap berry powder is usually well-tolerated. Past studies have linked haskap berry consumption to improved memory and reduced blood pressure. Although specific safety data on the powder itself is limited, these studies suggest that side effects are rare. Haskap berries are rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage, supporting their safety for most people. Always consider personal health conditions and consult a healthcare professional if uncertain about joining a trial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Haskalife(TM) Canadian Haskap Berry Powder Formulation for high blood pressure because it introduces a natural approach to managing this condition. Unlike standard treatments like ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers, which are synthetic and target specific pathways to lower blood pressure, haskap berry powder is a natural product that could offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. This berry-derived treatment may provide a gentler alternative with fewer side effects, making it an appealing option for those seeking plant-based solutions. Additionally, the use of a washout period in the trial design highlights the potential for haskap to have lasting effects even after consumption has stopped.

What evidence suggests that Haskap Berry Powder might be an effective treatment for high blood pressure?

This trial will evaluate the effects of Haskap Berry Powder on high blood pressure. Studies have shown that haskap berry powder can help lower blood pressure. In one study, a 400 mg dose of the powder significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure, the lower number in a blood pressure reading. This suggests that haskap berries may benefit heart health. Research also indicates that these berries might improve mood and athletic performance, although more data is needed. The active ingredient, C3G, is believed to enhance blood vessel function, which might explain its effect on blood pressure. Participants in this trial will receive either the Haskap Berry Powder or a control powder in different sequences to assess its impact. ^{1 3 4 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Semone Myrie, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Manitoba

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for women experiencing high blood pressure and issues with alertness. Participants should be generally healthy, without any conditions that could interfere with the study or pose a risk when consuming berry powder.

Inclusion Criteria

Average systolic blood pressure between 120 and 150 mmHg

Average diastolic blood pressure between 75 and 100 mmHg

I am a woman aged 35 or older.

Exclusion Criteria

I am not taking pseudoephedrine, anti-inflammatory drugs, cyclosporine, or tacrolimus.

I am currently undergoing chemotherapy.

I am a biological male.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment Period 1

Participants receive either haskap berry powder or a control powder

6 weeks

Visits at weeks 0 and 6

Washout

No powder is consumed during this period

4 weeks

Treatment Period 2

Participants receive the powder they did not consume in the first period

6 weeks

Visits at weeks 11 and 16

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Haskalife(TM) Canadian Haskap Berry Powder Formulation

Trial Overview The trial tests if Haskap Berry Powder can improve blood pressure and alertness in women. It's a double-blind study where participants randomly get either the berry powder or a placebo, switch after a break, and don't know which one they're taking.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Haskap Powder then Control Powder Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

The participants will consume the haskap powder between weeks 0 and 6. A washout period will occur between weeks 7 and 10. After the washout period, the participants will consume the control powder between weeks 11 and 16. None of the participants or investigators will know the identities of the powder or the participants' allocations.

Group II: Control Powder then Haskap Powder. Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

The participants will consume the control powder between weeks 0 and 6. A washout period will occur between weeks 7 and 10. After the washout period, the participants will consume the haskap powder between weeks 11 and 16. None of the participants or investigators will know the identities of the powder or the participants' allocations.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Manitoba

Lead Sponsor

Trials

628

Recruited

209,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a 12-week study involving 134 healthy individuals with high normal blood pressure or stage 1-2 hypertension, consumption of polyphenol-rich berry juices significantly reduced systolic blood pressure compared to a placebo, with reductions of 6.9 mmHg at 6 weeks and 3.4 mmHg at 12 weeks.

The blood pressure variability was also significantly lower in participants consuming the berry juices, indicating that these juices may be particularly beneficial for individuals with hypertension.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Polyphenol-rich juices reduce blood pressure measures in a randomised controlled trial in high normal and hypertensive volunteers. Tjelle, TE., Holtung, L., Bøhn, SK., et al.[2015]

Current clinical evidence suggests that while there is no direct blood pressure lowering effect from dietary berry consumption, certain berries may help normalize blood pressure in individuals who are already hypertensive.

The review highlights the potential role of specific berry polyphenols, such as anthocyanins and ellagic acid, in influencing blood pressure regulation, although results are mixed and complicated by confounding factors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Role of Berry Consumption on Blood Pressure Regulation and Hypertension: An Overview of the Clinical Evidence. Vendrame, S., Adekeye, TE., Klimis-Zacas, D.[2022]

In a study with male Wistar rats, adding Saskatoon berry powder to a high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet for 8 weeks significantly improved symptoms of diet-induced metabolic syndrome, including normalizing body weight, reducing visceral fat, and lowering blood pressure.

Saskatoon berry appears to enhance metabolic health by regulating key metabolic processes such as glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, as indicated by changes in liver enzyme expression and improved glucose tolerance.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Saskatoon Berry Amelanchier alnifolia Regulates Glucose Metabolism and Improves Cardiovascular and Liver Signs of Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats. du Preez, R., Wanyonyi, S., Mouatt, P., et al.[2021]

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-hypertension-2025-150e1

Haskap Berry Powder for High Blood Pressure Previous clinical studies suggest haskap berry supplementation may improve cognition, mood, blood pressure, and athletic performance, but research is limited.

2. ctv.veeva.com ctv.veeva.com/study/impact-of-haskalife-tm-canadian-haskap-berry-powder-formulation-on-hypertension-and-acuity-in-women

Impact of Canadian Haskap Berry Powder on Hypertension ... Previous clinical studies suggest haskap berry supplementation may improve cognition, mood, blood pressure, and athletic performance, but ...

3. clinconnect.io clinconnect.io/trials/NCT06764121

Impact of Canadian Haskap Berry Powder on Hypertension This clinical trial is studying the effects of Canadian haskap berry powder on women's health, particularly focusing on high blood pressure (hypertension) and ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6842388/

A pilot dose–response study of the acute effects of haskap ... Compared to placebo, the 400 mg dose elicited significantly lower diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. Both 200 mg and 400 mg doses elicited significantly ...

5. haskalife.ca haskalife.ca/blogs/blog/top-6-health-benefits-of-haskap-berries-and-why-you-should-try-them?srsltid=AfmBOopE563derU_NhhzT8nfZeNV6HbM5CxE6v6pBmMSCsJD8tzDLDFJ

6 Health Benefits of Haskap Berries (And why you should ... Promotes heart health and lowers blood pressure. The University of Manitoba is currently exploring the effects of haskap berry powder on blood ...

6. haskalife.ca haskalife.ca/products/pure-haskap-berry-powder?srsltid=AfmBOoq-Z8dRuMf5GChl_ctwJaZ70yydIM7vCGJ3Mye8zYNJA2rqpX9E

Pure Haskap Berry Powder | 100% Canadian Superfruit Boost your immunity and support heart health with Pure Haskap Berry Powder from Haskalife. Made from 100% Canadian haskap berries – rich in antioxidants, ...