This study was designed to assess both the quality and cost aspects of various branded and generic formulations of angiotensin receptor blockers, specifically Irbesartan, Losartan Potassium, Olmesartan Medoxomil, Telmisartan, and Valsartan. The collected samples underwent distinct quality evaluations using the methods outlined in different global Pharmacopoeias (British Pharmacopoeia/European Pharmacopoeia, Indian Pharmacopoeia and United States Pharmacopoeia). These drugs were characterized using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance techniques, while their quality and concentration were analysed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The release profile of the drugs was examined through dissolution testing. Additionally, a cost comparison analysis was carried out by determining the prevailing market prices of the drugs. The evaluated branded and generic angiotensin receptor blockers were found to meet the established standards for impurities, active drug content, and dissolution as set by these Pharmacopoeias, indicating their optimal quality. Notably, the generic drugs exhibited significantly lower costs compared to their branded counterparts. This study confirms that the quality of generic angiotensin receptor blockers is equivalent to that of their branded counterparts. Consequently, these findings support the practicality of utilizing generic drugs as a more economically sustainable and cost-effective approach to managing diseases, especially those of chronic nature.

• Keywords
• Drugs, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Pharmaceutical Quality Control,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

• MeSH
• Sodium Chloride MeSH
• Hypertension * diagnosis   drug therapy   epidemiology   MeSH
• Sodium Chloride, Dietary adverse effects   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Sodium, Dietary * adverse effects   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Sodium Chloride MeSH
• Sodium Chloride, Dietary MeSH
• Sodium, Dietary * MeSH

Western-type diet with high salt and sugar, sedentary behavior, obesity, tobacco and alcoholism are important risk factors for hypertension. This review aims to highlight the role of western diet-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathogenesis of hypertension and the role of various types of diets in its prevention with reference to dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet. It seems that it is crucial to alter the western type of diet because such diets can also predispose all CVDs. Western diet-induced oxidative stress is characterized by excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with an altered oxidation-reduction (redox) state, leading to a marked increase in inflammation and vascular dysfunction. Apart from genetic and environmental factors, one important cause for differences in the prevalence of hypertension in various countries may be diet quality, deficiency in functional foods, and salt consumption. The role of the DASH diet has been established. However, there are gaps in knowledge about the role of some Indo-Mediterranean foods and Japanese foods, which have been found to decrease blood pressure (BP) by improving vascular function. The notable Indo-Mediterranean foods are pulses, porridge, spices, and millets; fruits such as guava and blackberry and vegetables, which may also decrease BPs. The Japanese diet consists of soya tofu, whole rice, in particular medical rice, vegetables and plenty of fish rich in fish oil, fish peptides and taurine that are known to decrease BPs. Epidemiological studies and randomized, controlled trials have demonstrated the role of these diets in the prevention of hypertension and metabolic diseases. Such evidence is still meager from Japan, although the prevalence of hypertension is lower (15-21%) compared to other developed countries, which may be due to the high quality of the Japanese diet. Interestingly, some foods, such as berries, guava, pumpkin seeds, carrots, soya beans, and spices, have been found to cause a decrease in BPs. Omega-3 fatty acids, fish peptide, taurine, dietary vitamin D, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, flavonoids, nitrate and l-arginine are potential nutrients that can also decrease BPs. Larger cohort studies and controlled trials are necessary to confirm our views.

• Keywords
• Mediterranean diet, anti-inflammatory foods, high blood pressure, western diet,
• MeSH
• Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension * MeSH
• Diet MeSH
• Hypertension * epidemiology   prevention & control   MeSH
• Blood Pressure MeSH
• Fruit MeSH
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic MeSH
• Vitamins MeSH
• Vegetables MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Vitamins MeSH

Numerous studies indicate a significant role for cytochrome P-450-dependent arachidonic acid metabolites in blood pressure regulation, vascular tone, and control of renal function. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) exhibit a spectrum of beneficial effects, such as vasodilatory activity and anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-apoptotic properties. 20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) is a potent vasoconstrictor that inhibits sodium reabsorption in the kidney. In the present study, the efficiency of EET-A (a stable analog of 14,15-EET) alone and combined with AAA, a novel receptor antagonist of 20-HETE, was tested in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Adult SHR (16 weeks old) were treated with two doses of EET-A (10 or 40 mg/kg/day). In the following experiments, we also tested selected substances in the prevention of hypertension development in young SHR (6 weeks old). Young rats were treated with EET-A or the combination of EET-A and AAA (both at 10 mg/kg/day). The substances were administered in drinking water for 4 weeks. Blood pressure was measured by telemetry. Once-a-week observation in metabolic cages was performed; urine, blood, and tissue samples were collected for further analysis. The combined treatment with AAA + EET-A exhibited antihypertensive efficiency in young SHR, which remained normotensive until the end of the observation in comparison to a control group (systolic blood pressure, 134 ± 2 versus 156 ± 5 mmHg, respectively; p < 0.05). Moreover the combined treatment also increased the nitric oxide metabolite excretion. Considering the beneficial impact of the combined treatment with EET-A and AAA in young rats and our previous positive results in adult SHR, we suggest that it is a promising therapeutic strategy not only for the treatment but also for the prevention of hypertension.

• Keywords
• 20-HETE antagonist, EET analog, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, primary hypertension, spontaneously hypertensive rats,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH