The significance of exogenous nitrate and nitrite of plant origin for vascular health

Phytogenic nitrates and nitrites are important bioactive phytochemical substances with cardioprotective features. Nitrates can be reduced to nitrite (with the active participation of oral bacteria and the stomach acid medium) and then to bioaccessible nitrogen oxide (NO), which plays a key role in the cardiovascular system condition. Objective. To highlight the role of phytogenic nitrates as an NO source in terms of cardiovascular effects. Material and methods. The PubMed and eLibrary (Science Index) databases were analyzed using the keywords «exogenous nitrate», «endothelial dysfunction», «vascular wall rigidity», «arterial hypertension», and «blood pressure». Results. A clinical trial showed food nitrate has an effect equivalent to the endogenous nitrogen oxide. Exogenous nitrate reduces the arterial blood pressure, vascular wall rigidity, and platelet aggregation, improves vascular functional activity, and increases blood flow velocity. The review considers the effectiveness of exogenous phytogenic nitrates regarding the specified parameters. Conclusion. Considering the known transformation pathway «nitrate — nitrite — NO», phytogenic nitrate serves as a substrate for bioactive NO synthesis and has a beneficial effect on vascular health, as confirmed by many clinical trials. Supplementing the diet with nitrate-rich vegetables can be a new approach to reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality.