Tartary buckwheat and roxburgh rose composition for regulating blood pressure and blood fat and preparation method of tartary buckwheat and roxburgh rose composition

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of functional food, in particular to a tartary buckwheat and roxburgh rose composition for regulating blood pressure and blood fat and a preparation method thereof. The tartary buckwheat and roxburgh rose composition comprises tartary buckwheat and roxburgh rose. The mass ratio of the tartary buckwheat to the roxburgh rose is 1: (1-3). In-vitro activity evaluation, cell experiments and animal experiments prove that flavonoid compounds of tartary buckwheat and active ingredients such as vitamin C of roxburgh rose in the composition generate a synergistic effect, so that the antioxidant capacity, the ACE inhibition rate, the cholesterol clearance rate and the pancreatic lipase inhibition rate can be remarkably improved, NO generation is effectively promoted, and the curative effect is good. The contents of TC, TG and LDL-L are reduced, the HDL-L level is increased, and the balance of vascular active substances is regulated. The raw materials are all medicinal and edible, are high in safety and free of side effects, provide a natural and efficient auxiliary conditioning scheme for chronic metabolic diseases such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and have a good industrialization prospect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of functional food technology, and in particular to a buckwheat and prickly pear composition for regulating blood pressure and blood lipids and its preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] With socioeconomic development and changes in lifestyle, hypertension and hyperlipidemia have become prevalent chronic metabolic diseases. They are not only independent risk factors, but also frequently interact and synergistically increase the incidence and mortality of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and stroke.

[0003] Currently, clinical drug treatment for such diseases mainly relies on chemically synthesized drugs, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and statins. While these drugs can effectively control indicators, long-term or even lifelong use often brings various side effects, including liver and kidney burden, muscle damage, and gastrointestinal reactions, affecting patients' quality of life and medication adherence. Therefore, exploring safe, effective, naturally derived dietary interventions or adjunctive therapies with multi-target regulatory effects has become an important research direction in the current health field.

[0004] Against this backdrop, medicinal and edible plant resources have shown enormous potential. Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) is a unique grain with a high concentration of nutrients and functional components, rich in flavonoids such as rutin and quercetin, high-quality dietary fiber, and unique D-chiral inositol. Studies have shown that these active ingredients endow tartary buckwheat with significant antioxidant properties, improved insulin sensitivity, regulation of lipid metabolism, and protection of vascular endothelium, among other physiological functions. Comparatively, prickly pear (Rosaroxburghii Tratt.) is hailed as the "King of Vitamin C," with a vitamin C content far exceeding that of most fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, prickly pear is rich in superoxide dismutase (SOD), prickly pear polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and other functional factors, making it outstanding in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-regulating, and lipid-regulating effects.

[0005] However, current research and applications largely focus on the development of single raw materials such as buckwheat or prickly pear, or simply on simple physical mixing. This approach has significant limitations: the range and intensity of action of a single component are limited, making it difficult to address multifactorial and complex metabolic disorders such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia; while simple mixing may only involve the superposition of components, failing to achieve deep compatibility based on the mechanisms of action of their active substances, and thus failing to fully stimulate and utilize the potential synergistic, complementary, or enhancing effects between the two. Therefore, the current market and research clearly lack a composite functional composition based on the characteristics of the active components of buckwheat and prickly pear, produced through scientific and precise formulation and optimized preparation processes. Such a composition should be able to act simultaneously and synergistically on multiple key targets in blood pressure and lipid regulation, and its definite health benefits should be confirmed through systematic evaluation, thereby providing a better natural solution for the prevention and adjunctive management of related metabolic diseases. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a buckwheat and prickly pear composition for regulating blood pressure and blood lipids and its preparation method. The composition has been evaluated for its in vitro activity (antioxidant, ACE inhibition rate, cholesterol clearance, pancreatic lipase inhibition) and confirmed by cell experiments and animal experiments through different proportions, and has the potential to help lower blood pressure and blood lipids.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: One of the technical solutions of the present invention provides a buckwheat and prickly pear composition, comprising buckwheat and prickly pear; the mass ratio of buckwheat and prickly pear is 1:1~3.

[0008] The second technical solution of the present invention provides a method for preparing the above-mentioned buckwheat and prickly pear composition, characterized by comprising the following steps: Buckwheat bran is successively washed, dried, crushed, sieved and roasted to obtain buckwheat flour; Fresh prickly pear fruit is washed, freeze-dried, crushed, and sieved to obtain prickly pear powder. Buckwheat powder and prickly pear powder are mixed to obtain a buckwheat and prickly pear composition.

[0009] The third technical solution of the present invention provides the application of the above-mentioned buckwheat and prickly pear composition in the preparation of functional foods for the auxiliary treatment of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or hypertension combined with hyperlipidemia.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. By scientifically combining tartary buckwheat and prickly pear extracts, the complementary and synergistic effects of their active ingredients are fully utilized. The flavonoids in tartary buckwheat and the vitamin C and polysaccharides in prickly pear together construct a powerful antioxidant network, and form a multi-target intervention in regulating blood lipids and inhibiting key enzymes in blood pressure, with efficacy significantly superior to single raw materials or simple physical mixtures.

[0011] 2. From in vitro activity evaluation (antioxidant, cholesterol clearance, pancreatic lipase inhibition, ACE inhibition) to cell experiments and then to in vivo animal verification, the experimental data fully demonstrate that this composition can simultaneously act on key links of lipid metabolism and blood pressure regulation, with a clear mechanism and reliable results.

[0012] 3. It uses only medicinal and edible plant ingredients, avoiding the common side effects risks of chemically synthesized drugs. Cytotoxicity experiments show that it has good safety within the effective concentration range, making it suitable for long-term dietary supplementation or adjunctive conditioning.

[0013] 4. This composition can be formulated into various dosage forms such as powder, granules, capsules or tablets, and is easy to integrate into existing functional food or health food production systems, with good industrialization prospects and market promotion potential.

[0014] 5. It provides a natural, multi-effect, and synergistic health solution for the adjunctive management of chronic metabolic diseases such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia, which meets the current consumer demand for safe, effective, and natural products and has clear social and market value. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 The graph shows the results of the ACE inhibition rate measurement. Figure 2 The graph shows the results of cholesterol clearance rate measurement. Figure 3 The graph shows the results of the pancreatic lipase clearance rate assay. Figure 4 The graph shows the results of cell survival rate determination. In the graph, A is the tartary buckwheat group, B is the prickly pear group, C is the tartary buckwheat and prickly pear composition group of Example 1, D is the tartary buckwheat and prickly pear composition group of Example 2, E is the tartary buckwheat and prickly pear composition group of Example 3, F is the tartary buckwheat and prickly pear composition group of Example 4, and G is the tartary buckwheat and prickly pear composition group of Example 5. Figure 5 The graph shows the results of NO content determination. In the graph, A is the tartary buckwheat group, B is the prickly pear group, C is the tartary buckwheat and prickly pear composition group of Example 1, D is the tartary buckwheat and prickly pear composition group of Example 2, E is the tartary buckwheat and prickly pear composition group of Example 3, F is the tartary buckwheat and prickly pear composition group of Example 4, and G is the tartary buckwheat and prickly pear composition group of Example 5. Figure 6The graph shows the results of TC content determination. In the graph, A is the tartary buckwheat group, B is the prickly pear group, C is the tartary buckwheat and prickly pear composition group of Example 1, D is the tartary buckwheat and prickly pear composition group of Example 2, E is the tartary buckwheat and prickly pear composition group of Example 3, F is the tartary buckwheat and prickly pear composition group of Example 4, and G is the tartary buckwheat and prickly pear composition group of Example 5. Figure 7 The graph shows the results of TG content determination. In the graph, A is the tartary buckwheat group, B is the prickly pear group, C is the tartary buckwheat and prickly pear composition group of Example 1, D is the tartary buckwheat and prickly pear composition group of Example 2, E is the tartary buckwheat and prickly pear composition group of Example 3, F is the tartary buckwheat and prickly pear composition group of Example 4, and G is the tartary buckwheat and prickly pear composition group of Example 5. Figure 8 Let A be the systolic blood pressure and B be the diastolic blood pressure, where A is the mean systolic blood pressure and B is the mean diastolic blood pressure. Figure 9 The images show the results of ACE content testing in animal experiments; where A represents lung ACE content; B represents kidney ACE content; C represents heart ACE content; and D represents thoracic aorta ACE content. Figure 10 The graphs show the results of serum marker measurements. A represents the AngII level; B represents the ET-1 level; C represents the NO content; D represents the HDL-L content; E represents the LDL-L content; F represents the TC content; and G represents the TG content. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail. This detailed description should not be considered as a limitation of the present invention, but rather as a more detailed description of certain aspects, features, and embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] It should be understood that the terminology used in this invention is merely for describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, with respect to numerical ranges in this invention, it should be understood that each intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of the range is also specifically disclosed. Every smaller range between any stated value or intermediate value within a stated range, and any other stated value or intermediate value within said range, is also included in this invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may be independently included or excluded from the range.

[0018] Unless otherwise stated, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. While only preferred methods and materials have been described herein, any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the implementation or testing of this invention. All references to this specification are incorporated by way of citation to disclose and describe methods and / or materials associated with those references. In the event of any conflict with any incorporated reference, the content of this specification shall prevail.

[0019] Various modifications and variations can be made to the specific embodiments described in this specification without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Other embodiments derived from this specification will also be obvious to those skilled in the art. This application specification and embodiments are merely exemplary.

[0020] The terms “include,” “including,” “have,” “contain,” etc., used in this article are all open-ended terms, meaning that they include but are not limited to.

[0021] All raw materials used in this invention can be obtained commercially or prepared using existing technologies.

[0022] The present invention provides a buckwheat and prickly pear composition, comprising buckwheat and prickly pear; wherein the mass ratio of buckwheat to prickly pear is 1:1 to 3.

[0023] In this invention, the composition exhibits synergistic antioxidant activity, achieving an IC50 concentration in the DPPH free radical scavenging system. 50mix / IC 50add <1, exhibiting additive or synergistic effects in the ABTS free radical scavenging system, and the antioxidant activity of the compound group is superior to that of single buckwheat or prickly pear raw materials.

[0024] In this invention, the composition can significantly inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, promote NO production, and reduce AngII and ET-1 levels, thereby exerting a blood pressure-lowering effect by regulating the vasomotor balance; at the same time, it can improve cholesterol clearance rate, inhibit pancreatic lipase activity, reduce TC, TG, and LDL-L content and increase HDL-L level, thus achieving the effect of lowering blood lipids.

[0025] In this invention, the mass ratio of buckwheat to prickly pear is 1:3.

[0026] In this invention, the mass ratio of buckwheat to prickly pear is 1:1.25.

[0027] In this invention, the rutin content in the buckwheat is ≥4%, and the rutin content in the buckwheat is 4~5.3%, preferably 5.295%.

[0028] In this invention, the vitamin C content in the prickly pear is ≥8.5%, and the vitamin C content in the prickly pear is preferably 8.5~10.6%, for example, it can be 8.5%, 9% or 10.547%.

[0029] The present invention also provides a method for preparing the above-mentioned buckwheat and prickly pear composition, comprising the following steps: Buckwheat bran is successively washed, dried, crushed, sieved and roasted to obtain buckwheat flour; Fresh prickly pear fruit is washed, freeze-dried, crushed, and sieved to obtain prickly pear powder. Buckwheat powder and prickly pear powder are mixed to obtain a buckwheat and prickly pear composition.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present invention, the buckwheat is washed, dried at a suitable temperature, pulverized and passed through an 80-mesh sieve, and then roasted to fully release the active ingredients of the buckwheat and improve its flavor.

[0031] In this invention, the baking temperature is 150~200℃ (e.g., 150℃, 160℃, 170℃, 180℃, 190℃ or 200℃, etc.), and the time is 10~60min (e.g., 10, 20, 30); the buckwheat flour has a particle size ≤80 mesh; the drying temperature is 55℃, and the time is 4~8h, with occasional turning to ensure the buckwheat bran is fully dried.

[0032] In this invention, the purpose of roasting buckwheat bran is to inactivate enzymes at high temperatures to prevent rutin from converting into quercetin, and to produce the unique flavor of buckwheat through the Maillard reaction, thereby enhancing its aroma.

[0033] In this invention, the rutin content in the buckwheat bran is ≥4%.

[0034] In this invention, the particle size of the buckwheat powder is 60-100 mesh, for example, it can be 60 mesh, 70 mesh, 80 mesh, 90 mesh or 100 mesh; the particle size of the prickly pear powder is 60-100 mesh, for example, it can be 60 mesh, 70 mesh, 80 mesh, 90 mesh or 100 mesh.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present invention, fresh prickly pear fruit is washed and then processed using freeze-drying technology to retain heat-sensitive nutrients to the maximum extent. After being pulverized, it is also passed through an 80-mesh sieve to obtain uniform prickly pear powder.

[0036] The freeze-drying temperature is -55~-80℃, preferably -80℃, and the time is 24~48 h, preferably 36 h. The particle size of the prickly pear powder is ≤80 mesh.

[0037] The present invention also provides the application of the above-mentioned buckwheat and prickly pear composition in the preparation of functional foods for the adjuvant treatment of chronic metabolic diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or hypertension combined with hyperlipidemia.

[0038] In this invention, the dosage form of the functional food includes powder, granules, capsules, tablets or oral liquid; the functional food includes health food.

[0039] In this invention, the buckwheat and prickly pear composition is non-toxic to EA.hy926 cells within the effective concentration range, with a cell survival rate ≥80%, and is highly safe for long-term consumption, without burdening the liver and kidneys or other side effects.

[0040] In this invention, the composition achieves the effects of lowering blood pressure and blood lipids through multi-target synergistic action, specifically including: enhancing antioxidant capacity, inhibiting ACE activity, promoting NO synthesis, clearing cholesterol, inhibiting pancreatic lipase activity, regulating lipid metabolism pathways, and regulating the balance of vasoactive substances.

[0041] The technical solutions provided by the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0042] Example 1 After washing the buckwheat bran, dry it at 55℃ for 4-8 hours, pulverize it through an 80-mesh sieve, and bake it at 160℃ for 30 minutes to obtain buckwheat flour. After cooling, it is ready for use. The rutin content in the buckwheat flour is 52.95 mg / g.

[0043] Fresh prickly pear fruit was washed and freeze-dried at -80℃ for 36 hours. It was then pulverized and passed through an 80-mesh sieve to obtain prickly pear powder, which was sealed and stored for later use. The vitamin C content of the prickly pear powder was tested to be 105.47 mg / g.

[0044] The processed buckwheat flour and prickly pear were mixed evenly at a flour-to-prickly pear ratio of 1:3 to obtain a buckwheat-prickly pear composition.

[0045] Example 2 The only difference from Example 1 is that the treated buckwheat powder and prickly pear powder are mixed evenly at a mass ratio of 1:1 to obtain a buckwheat and prickly pear composition.

[0046] Example 3 The only difference from Example 1 is that the treated buckwheat powder and prickly pear powder are mixed evenly at a mass ratio of 1:6 to obtain a buckwheat and prickly pear composition.

[0047] Example 4 The only difference from Example 1 is that the treated buckwheat powder and prickly pear powder are mixed evenly at a mass ratio of 3:1 to obtain a buckwheat and prickly pear composition.

[0048] Example 5 The only difference from Example 1 is that the treated buckwheat powder and prickly pear powder are mixed evenly at a mass ratio of 6:1 to obtain a buckwheat and prickly pear composition.

[0049] Comparative Example 1 Prickly pear group: After washing the fresh prickly pears, freeze-dry them at a cold trap temperature of -83.6℃ for 36 hours, pulverize them through an 80-mesh sieve, and seal them for later use.

[0050] Comparative Example 2 Buckwheat group: After washing the buckwheat bran, dry it at 55℃ for 4~8 hours, grind it through an 80-mesh sieve, bake it at 160℃ for 30 minutes, and cool it for later use.

[0051] Test Example 1: In vitro activity evaluation The antioxidant properties, ACE inhibition rate, cholesterol esterase clearance rate, and pancreatic lipase inhibition rate of the samples prepared in Comparative Examples 1-2 and Examples 1-5 were tested using the following methods: 1.1 Antioxidant assay Preparation of sample stock solution: Accurately weigh 0.5g of the sample to be tested into a 50mL centrifuge tube, add 30mL of 70% methanol solution, extract by ultrasonication at 100Hz for 30min at room temperature, centrifuge at 4000r / min for 10min, collect the supernatant extract, repeat the extraction of the sample residue twice under the same conditions, combine the supernatant extracts from the three extractions, and make up to 100mL with 70% methanol solution to prepare a 5mg / mL sample stock solution.

[0052] Preparation of sample test solutions: Take an appropriate amount of the sample stock solution and dilute it serially with 70% methanol to prepare sample test solutions with concentrations of 0.01 mg / mL, 0.02 mg / mL, 0.04 mg / mL, 0.08 mg / mL, 0.1 mg / mL, 0.2 mg / mL, 0.4 mg / mL, 0.8 mg / mL, 1 mg / mL, 2 mg / mL, and 4 mg / mL. Use a 5 mg / mL VLC solution as a positive control and dilute it according to the above dilution gradient.

[0053] 1.1.1 Determination of DPPH free radical scavenging rate Take 2 mL of the sample solution, add 2 mL of DPPH solution, shake thoroughly, and react at room temperature in the dark for 30 min. Measure the absorbance of the reaction solution at a wavelength of 517 nm and record it as A. i Replace the DPPH solution with an equal volume of extract and measure the absorbance using the same method; denoted as A. j Replace the sample solution with an equal volume of extract, and measure the absorbance using the same method. Record this absorbance as A. c Simultaneously, using a vitamin C solution as a positive control, the DPPH free radical scavenging rate was determined using the same method. Each experiment was conducted in triplicate. The DPPH free radical scavenging rate was calculated using the following formula: .

[0054] 1.1.2 Determination of ABTS free radical scavenging rate Preparation of ABTS working solution: Mix equal volumes of 7 mmol / L ATBS solution and 2.5 mol / mL potassium persulfate solution, and let stand at room temperature in the dark for 24 hours to obtain the ABTS stock solution. Take an appropriate amount of the ABTS stock solution and dilute it with 95% ethanol to an absorbance of 0.70 ± 0.02 (λ = 734 nm) to obtain the ABTS working solution. This working solution should be prepared and used immediately.

[0055] Take 0.1 mL of the serially diluted sample solution into a 5 mL centrifuge tube, add 3.9 mL of ABTS working solution, shake thoroughly, and react in the dark for 6 min. Measure the absorbance at a wavelength of 734 nm and record it as A. i Replace the ABTS working solution with an equal volume of anhydrous ethanol, measure the absorbance under the same conditions, and record it as A. j Replace the sample solution with an equal volume of 70% methanol solution and measure its absorbance using the same method. Record this absorbance as A. c Vitamin C solution was used as a positive control. Each group underwent three parallel experiments. The ABTS radical scavenging rate of the samples was calculated using the following formula: .

[0056] 1.2 ACE Inhibition Rate Measurement 100 μL of 1 mol / L FAPGG (dissolved in 50 mmol / L Tris-HCl buffer containing 0.3 mmol / L NaCl, pH 7.50), 50 μL of sample, and 50 μL of ACE (dissolved in borate buffer, pH 8.30) were added sequentially to a 96-well plate, and the reaction was carried out at 37 °C. The decrease in absorbance at 340 nm was recorded, lasting for 30 min. A blank experiment was performed using the buffer solution instead of the sample solution. The ACE inhibition rate was calculated using the following formula: % 1.3 Determination of cholesterol esterase clearance rate Prepare the following solutions: 0.1 mol / L NaCl solution, 0.2 mmol / L P-NPB solution (dissolved in acetonitrile), 5.16 mmol / L sodium taurocholate solution, 0.1 mol / L sodium phosphate buffer (pH=7.04), sample solution, and 0.72 U / mL cholesterol esterase solution. Simvastatin was used as a positive control. All measurements were performed in triplicate. The specific procedures are as follows: Table 1. Cholesterol esterase clearance rate determination dosage

[0057] The cholesterol esterase clearance rate is calculated using the following formula: .

[0058] 1.4 Determination of pancreatic lipase inhibition rate Accurately weigh 1.2114 g of Trizma® base and dissolve it in a small amount of distilled water. Adjust the pH of the solution to 8.0 with HCl, then bring the volume to 100 mL with distilled water (Tris-HCl). Shake to dissolve completely, obtaining a 0.1 mol / L Tris-HCl (pH=8.0) buffer. Accurately weigh 10 mg of pancreatic lipase and dissolve it in 10 mL of Tris-HCl (pH=8.0) buffer. Shake well to obtain a 1.0 mg / mL PL solution. Accurately transfer 8.44 μL of P-NPB solution into a 10 mL centrifuge tube and add 4 mL of acetonitrile to obtain a 12 mmol / L P-NPB solution. PL activity inhibition rate assay: A E Accurately transfer 200 μL of PL and 1150 μL of Tris-HCl into a 1.5 mL centrifuge tube and mix thoroughly. A IB Accurately transfer 400 μL of sample and 600 μL of Tris-HCl into a 1.5 mL centrifuge tube and mix thoroughly. A I In a 2.0 mL centrifuge tube, accurately transfer 400 μL of sample, 200 μL of PL, and 1150 μL of Tris-HCl, and mix thoroughly. Pipette A... IB 200 μL was added to a 96-well plate; A was then pipetted into each well. E and A I Add 175 μL of the solution to a 96-well plate, followed by 25 μL of P-NPB solution; each solution is used in quadruplicate, and the plates are incubated at 37 ℃ and 300 rpm for 25 min. The assay is performed using a microplate reader at a wavelength of 405 nm. Rutin is used as a positive control. All assays are performed in quadruplicate, and the inhibition rate is calculated using the following formula: .

[0059] 1.5 Analysis Results In vitro activity evaluation results showed that: (1) As can be seen from Tables 2, 3, and 4, the scavenging abilities of prickly pear and tartary buckwheat on DPPH and ABTS free radicals and their interactions differed at different compound ratios. The synergistic effect of the compound system can be assessed by IC50. 50mix and IC 50add Evaluation: A value less than 1 indicates a synergistic effect, equal to 1 indicates an additive effect, and greater than 1 indicates an antagonistic effect. In the DPPH radical scavenging system, all combination groups showed significant synergistic effects (IC50). 50mix / IC 50add All ratios <1), with the strongest synergistic effect observed at ratios of 1:1, 1:3, and 1:6 (IC). 50mix / IC 50addThe values ​​were 0.130, 0.182, and 0.225, respectively. In the ABTS system, the overall synergistic effect was weaker than in the DPPH system. The synergistic effect was weaker in the 1:1 ratio group (IC). 50mix / IC 50add =0.752), the synergy of the 1:3 ratio group increased to a moderate level (0.598), while the 1:6, 3:1 and 6:1 ratio groups were close to additive (IC). 50mix / IC 50add The values ​​were 0.944, 0.874, and 0.907, respectively. These results indicate that the combination of prickly pear and tartary buckwheat has a clear synergistic antioxidant effect, especially in the DPPH system.

[0060] (2) Studies using captopril as a positive control showed that different ratios of prickly pear and buckwheat compounding significantly affected the inhibition rate of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). The 1:1, 1:3, and 1:6 compounding groups showed higher inhibition rates, suggesting that synergistic or enhanced effects between components could further improve the ACE inhibition effect. Furthermore, the inhibitory activity of the compounding groups was superior to that of the single components. (See the results below.) Figure 1 .

[0061] (3) Regarding lipid-lowering activity, simvastatin was used as a positive control. Cholesterol clearance experiments showed that the clearance rates of single prickly pear or buckwheat components were low, while all compound groups exhibited higher clearance activity. The clearance rates of the 6:1 and 3:1 compound groups were significantly better than those of the single components, suggesting their potential to reduce blood cholesterol deposition and regulate dyslipidemia. The results are shown in […]. Figure 2 In the pancreatic lipase inhibition experiment, the single component showed limited inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase, while each compound group showed a stronger inhibitory effect. This indicates that the compound system can effectively inhibit pancreatic lipase activity through synergistic action, reduce intestinal fat digestion and absorption, and thus inhibit lipid production at its source. The results are shown in [Figure number missing]. Figure 3 In conclusion, the combination of prickly pear and tartary buckwheat, through the synergistic effect of their active ingredients, exhibits superior lipid-lowering efficacy compared to the single-component combination in both cholesterol clearance and pancreatic lipase inhibition. This synergistic effect may stem from the complementarity of their active ingredients, making the combined system more advantageous in regulating lipid metabolism.

[0062] Table 2. DPPH Correlation Coefficient

[0063] Table 3. ABTS Relevance Coefficients

[0064] Table 4 Antioxidant Correlation Coefficients

[0065] Test Example 2: Effects of different ratios of tartary buckwheat and prickly pear on the function of EA.hy926 cells 1.1 Cell Culture Endothelial cells EA.hy926 were cultured in DMEM medium with the addition of 10% fetal bovine serum and 1% penicillin and streptomycin solution to prepare a complete culture medium.

[0066] Cell resuscitation: Remove the frozen cells from the liquid nitrogen tank and thaw them in a 37°C water bath until small ice crystals remain. In a laminar flow hood, transfer the cell suspension from the cryovials to a 15 mL sterile centrifuge tube, add 3 mL of complete culture medium, and centrifuge at 1300 rpm for 3 min. Discard the supernatant, add 1 mL of fresh complete culture medium, gently pipette until the cells are resuspended, then transfer to a T25 culture flask, label it, and incubate at 37°C with 5% CO2.

[0067] Cell passage: Replace the culture medium with fresh complete medium every 1-2 days. When the cells reach 80%-90% confluence, discard the medium, wash three times with PBS, add 0.25% trypsin to the culture flask, let stand for 2-3 minutes, and then add complete culture medium to stop digestion. Centrifuge the cells at 1300 rpm for 3 minutes, discard the supernatant, resuspend the cell pellet in fresh culture medium, and then transfer it to a new culture flask at a 1:3 ratio for further culture.

[0068] 1.2 Cell viability determination Cells in the logarithmic growth phase were taken, digested from the culture flask, and counted under a microscope using a hemocytometer. The cells were then divided into 1×10⁶ cells. 5 Cell suspension was prepared at 100 μL / well and seeded into 96-well plates. After 24 h of culture to allow adhesion, 100 μL of sample solution was added to each sample group, with 6 replicates per group. After 24 h of culture, the solution was discarded. 10 μL of CCK8 reagent was added to each well, and the plates were cultured for 2 h. The absorbance was measured at 450 nm. The cell viability was calculated using the following formula: %。

[0069] 1.3 NO determination Once the cells have reached 80-90% confluence, they are digested and removed from the culture flask. The cells are then counted under a microscope using a hemocytometer, and the cells are divided into 2×10⁶ cells. 5Cells were seeded in a suspension of 1 mL per well in 6-well plates and cultured for 48 h until they reached 70%–80% confluence. The medium was then replaced with fresh complete medium containing different concentrations of the sample. After 12 h or 24 h of culture, the accumulated nitrite level in the medium was measured as an indicator of NO production. In summary, 100 µL of cell culture medium was mixed with 50 µL of Griess Reagent I and 50 µL of Griess Reagent II, incubated at room temperature for 10 min, and the absorbance at 540 nm was measured. Fresh medium was used as a blank in each experiment.

[0070] 1.4 Protein Concentration Determination Discard the culture medium from the 6-well plates in section 1.3, wash three times with pre-chilled PBS to remove as much PBS as possible from the wells, then add 150 μL of RIPA lysis buffer and extraction buffer containing protease and phosphatase inhibitors to each well. Incubate on ice for 5 min, gently shaking to ensure even and thorough contact between the lysis buffer and cells. Collect the lysis buffer using a cell scraper and transfer it to a centrifuge tube. Centrifuge at 12,000 rpm for 15 min at 4°C. The precipitate at the bottom contains cell debris; transfer the supernatant to a new centrifuge tube and label it.

[0071] The protein concentration of cells in each well was determined using a modified BCA kit from Sangon Biotech. Specific procedures: (1) Add 5 μL of solution F, 5 μL of standard protein solution and sample to each well of the 96-well plate and incubate in a 37°C water bath for 30 min.

[0072] (2) Add 200 μL BCA working solution to each well, mix quickly, and keep warm in a 37°C water bath for 30 min.

[0073] (3) After cooling to room temperature, use an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reader to measure the OD value at wavelength A562.

[0074] (4) Plot a standard curve with the average A562 value of each well of the standard protein solution as the ordinate and the corresponding protein concentration as the abscissa. Then calculate the concentration of the sample based on the average A562 value measured for the sample.

[0075] 1.5 Determination of TC and TG Once the cells have reached 80-90% confluence, they are digested and removed from the culture flask. The cells are then counted under a microscope using a hemocytometer, and the cells are divided into 2×10⁶ cells. 5Cells were seeded in a suspension of 1 mL per well in 6-well plates and cultured for 48 h until they reached 70%–80% confluence. The culture medium was then replaced with fresh complete medium containing different concentrations of the sample. Cells were divided into a blank control group, a model group, a positive control group, and an experimental group (containing high, medium, and low doses of extracts of buckwheat, prickly pear, and a combination of buckwheat and prickly pear). Except for the blank control group, all other groups were incubated with an equal amount of free fatty acids (FFA) to induce the EA.hy926 cell model. After 24 h of co-incubation, the cell supernatant was collected, and the intracellular TC and TG levels were measured according to the kit instructions. Protein concentration was also determined according to method 1.4.

[0076] 1.6 Results Analysis From the results of the cell experiments: (1) Based on the preliminary experiments, different concentration gradients were selected for the compound groups of buckwheat and prickly pear in different proportions: buckwheat group (0, 10, 25, 50, 80, 100, 150, 200 μg / mL), prickly pear group (0, 10, 25, 50, 80, 100, 150, 200 μg / mL), compound groups 1:1, 3:1, 6:1 (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, 100 μg / mL), compound groups 1:3, 1:6 (0, 7.5, 12.5, 20, 25, 50, 70, 100 μg / mL), from Figure 4 It was found that the buckwheat and prickly pear groups had no significant effect on cell survival rate within the concentration range of 50 μg / mL (p>0.05); the compound groups 1:1, 3:1, and 6:1 had no significant effect on cell survival rate within the concentration range of 15 μg / mL (p>0.05); and the compound groups 1:3 and 1:6 had no significant effect on cell survival rate within the concentration range of 20 μg / mL (p>0.05). Based on the CCK-8 assay results, and ensuring that the concentrations were non-toxic to cells, the concentrations selected for subsequent experiments were: buckwheat and prickly pear groups (0, 10, 25, 50 μg / mL), compound groups 1:1, 3:1, and 6:1 (0, 5, 10, 15 μg / mL), and compound groups 1:3 and 1:6 (0, 7.5, 12.5, 20 μg / mL). The results are shown in the table below. Figure 4 .

[0077] (2) Based on the results of the NO content determination experiment, the differences in NO production of buckwheat, prickly pear single group and different compound ratio groups (1:1, 1:3, 1:6, 6:1) directly reflect their blood pressure lowering potential. NO is a key substance for dilating blood vessels and regulating blood pressure, and its content increase is positively correlated with the blood pressure lowering effect.

[0078] While both the single buckwheat and prickly pear groups induced a certain amount of NO production, their advantage over the compound groups was not significant. Furthermore, the production volume fluctuated little within the tested concentration range (5-15 μg / mL for buckwheat and 10-50 μg / mL for prickly pear), suggesting that the NO release induction ability of single raw materials is limited. All compound groups exhibited a synergistic effect, with the 1:3 compound group showing the best performance. Within the concentration range of 7.5-20 μg / mL, the NO production volume was significantly higher than other groups, and the concentration adaptability was strong, indicating that the active ingredients of the two raw materials at this ratio synergistically promote NO synthesis more efficiently, providing core material support for vasodilation and blood pressure regulation. The 1:1 and 1:6 compound groups showed the second-highest NO production volume, although better than the single groups, the synergistic effect was weaker than the 1:3 group. The 6:1 compound group showed NO production volume close to that of the single groups, and no significant advantage at concentrations of 5-15 μg / mL, suggesting that an excessively high proportion of buckwheat inhibits the synergistic induction of NO production. In summary, the combination of buckwheat and prickly pear is superior to either of the single ingredients in promoting NO production and lowering blood pressure. The 1:3 ratio of the two ingredients maximizes the synergistic effect, resulting in the most significant blood pressure-lowering potential. (See results below.) Figure 5 .

[0079] (3) Based on the experimental results of TC (total cholesterol) and TG (triglycerides) content determination, the lipid-lowering effect of different compound ratios of buckwheat and prickly pear can be clarified. TC and TG are core indicators for assessing blood lipid levels. Their reduction directly reflects the ability to lower blood lipids, while the improvement of blood lipid abnormalities can reduce vascular lipid deposition and protect vascular endothelial function, which is of great significance to cardiovascular health.

[0080] In the single-ingredient groups, the buckwheat group (5-15 μg / mL) and the prickly pear group (10-50 μg / mL) slightly reduced the TC and TG levels in the model group, but the effects were limited and lacked significant advantages, showing no significant difference compared to the control group. This suggests that the single-ingredient group has a weak regulatory effect on lipid metabolism and is difficult to achieve efficient lipid reduction. The compound groups all showed a significant advantage in synergistic lipid reduction, with the 1:3 compound ratio group showing the most outstanding performance. This group, within the concentration range of 7.5-20 μg / mL, significantly reduced the TC and TG levels in the model group, indicating that at this ratio, the active ingredients of the two ingredients form a highly efficient synergistic effect, which can precisely regulate lipid metabolism pathways and effectively improve dyslipidemia. The 1:1 (5-15 μg / mL) and 1:6 (7.5-20 μg / mL) compound groups also reduced TC and TG levels to some extent, but the lipid-lowering effect was less than that of the 1:3 group, and the effect tended to plateau at medium and high concentrations, indicating an unstable synergistic effect. The 3:1 and 6:1 (5-15 μg / mL) compound groups showed similar TC and TG reduction effects to the single-group approach, with fluctuations even observed at some concentrations. This suggests that an excessively high proportion of buckwheat may disrupt the synergistic balance between components, weakening the lipid-lowering effect. (See results below.) Figure 6 , Figure 7 In summary, the lipid-lowering ability of the combination of buckwheat and prickly pear is significantly better than that of the single ingredients. The 1:3 ratio of the combination has the strongest synergistic effect in regulating TC and TG metabolism, and the best lipid-lowering effect.

[0081] Test Example 3: Study on the effects of buckwheat and prickly pear on lowering blood pressure and blood lipids 1.1 Raw material preparation Buckwheat bran was washed, dried at a suitable temperature, pulverized, passed through an 80-mesh sieve, and baked at 160℃ for 30 minutes to prepare buckwheat flour. Fresh prickly pear fruit was washed, processed using freeze-drying technology, pulverized, and passed through an 80-mesh sieve to prepare freeze-dried prickly pear powder.

[0082] 1.2 Laboratory Animals SPF grade male Wistar rats, 6-8 weeks old, weighing 200±20 g, 24 rats (n=6).

[0083] 1.3 Preparation of Hypertension and Hyperlipidemia Models A hypertension model was established using the "two kidneys and one clamp" method. Rats were fed a high-fat diet, and the hypertension-hyperlipidemia (dual-hypertension) model was screened by measuring blood pressure and analyzing blood lipids. The specific steps were as follows: The left renal artery of the model rat was ligated using the "two kidneys and one clamp" method to replicate the hypertension model. After surgery, the model rats were fed a high-fat diet, while the control group was fed a basal diet. After 4 weeks of high-fat diet feeding, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and blood lipid levels of the rats were measured. Successful modeling was indicated when the blood pressure and blood lipid levels of the model rats were significantly higher than those of the control group.

[0084] After successful modeling, treatment began. Rats in the buckwheat-prickly pear compound group were administered the compound by gavage (the mass ratio of buckwheat to prickly pear was 1:1.25). The positive control group was administered the rat dose converted from the clinical dose of adult compound rutin tablets by gavage. The other two groups were administered an equal volume of physiological saline by gavage once a day for 4 consecutive weeks.

[0085] Table 5. Grouping and Dosage of Animal Experiments for Lowering Blood Pressure and Blood Lipids

[0086] 1.4 Serum marker determination Serum preparation: After the last gavage, animals in each group were fasted for 12 hours but allowed free access to water. They were anesthetized intraperitoneally with 10% chloral hydrate at 400 mg / kg body weight. Approximately 5 mL of whole blood was collected from the abdominal aorta. The blood was allowed to clot naturally at room temperature, then centrifuged (3500 rpm, 10 min, 4℃). The yellow, clear supernatant was collected as serum and aliquoted into multiple 1.5 mL (EP) tubes. The serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, NO, ET-1, Ang II, and ACE were determined using a microplate spectrophotometer and a research kit. Specific procedures were described in the kit instructions.

[0087] 1.5 Results Analysis Based on animal experiment analysis: (1) Based on Figure 8 Experimental data showed significant differences in the regulatory effects on blood pressure in hypertensive mice among the different groups. The blood pressure of the control group remained at a normal level, providing a baseline reference for the blood pressure regulation effect. The blood pressure of the model group was significantly higher than that of the control group, indicating that the hypertension model was successfully established and the mice were in a state of significantly elevated blood pressure. The blood pressure of the positive control group was significantly lower than that of the model group and approached the level of the control group, verifying the antihypertensive effectiveness of the positive control drug. The blood pressure of the buckwheat-prickly pear group showed a significant downward trend compared to the model group. Although the reduction was slightly lower than that of the positive control group, it still showed a significant regulatory effect compared to the model group, indicating that the combination of buckwheat and prickly pear can effectively improve the elevated blood pressure state in hypertensive mice and has certain antihypertensive potential.

[0088] (2) Based on the ACE content in the lungs, kidneys, heart, and thoracic aorta, as well as the serum indicators such as AngII, ET-1, NO, HDL-L, LDL-L, TC, and TG, the differences in the effects of the blank group, model group, buckwheat-prickly pear group, and positive control group on lowering blood pressure and blood lipids can be clearly identified. All indicators in the blank group were maintained at normal physiological levels: the levels of ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme), AngII (angiotensin II), and ET-1 (endothelin-1) were low, the NO (nitric oxide) content was sufficient, the HDL-L (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) was within a reasonable range, and the LDL-L (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), TC (total cholesterol), and TG (triglycerides) were normal, providing a reference standard for the experiment.

[0089] Significant differences were observed between the model group and the control group: ACE, AngII, and ET-1 levels were significantly increased, while NO levels were decreased, indicating an imbalance in vasomotor regulation and disordered blood pressure regulation. Simultaneously, LDL-L, TC, and TG levels were significantly increased, and HDL-L levels were abnormal, indicating lipid metabolism disorder, further confirming the successful construction of the hypertension-dyslipidemia model. In the positive control group, all indicators showed significant improvement: ACE, AngII, and ET-1 levels decreased significantly, and NO levels rebounded, effectively regulating the balance of vasomotor activity; LDL-L, TC, and TG levels decreased, and HDL-L levels returned to normal, indicating a more healthy lipid metabolism, validating its significant antihypertensive and lipid-lowering effects. The buckwheat-prickly pear group showed good regulatory effects: compared to the model group, its ACE, AngII, and ET-1 levels were significantly decreased, and NO levels increased, exerting an antihypertensive effect by regulating the balance of vasoactive substances; at the same time, it significantly reduced LDL-L, TC, and TG levels and increased HDL-L levels, effectively improving dyslipidemia. Although the regulatory amplitude of some indicators was slightly lower than that of the positive control group, the overall effect was significant, indicating that the combination of buckwheat and prickly pear can exert antihypertensive and lipid-lowering effects through multi-target synergistic action. (See results below.) Figure 9 , Figure 10 .

[0090] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A buckwheat and prickly pear composition, characterized in that, It includes tartary buckwheat and prickly pear; the mass ratio of tartary buckwheat to prickly pear is 1:1~3.

2. The buckwheat and prickly pear composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mass ratio of buckwheat to prickly pear is 1:

3.

3. The buckwheat and prickly pear composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mass ratio of buckwheat to prickly pear is 1:1.

25.

4. The buckwheat and prickly pear composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tartary buckwheat contains ≥4% rutin.

5. The buckwheat and prickly pear composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vitamin C content in the prickly pear is ≥8.5%.

6. A method for preparing the buckwheat and prickly pear composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Buckwheat bran is successively washed, dried, crushed, sieved and roasted to obtain buckwheat flour; Fresh prickly pear fruit is washed, freeze-dried, crushed, and sieved to obtain prickly pear powder. Buckwheat powder and prickly pear powder are mixed to obtain a buckwheat and prickly pear composition.

7. The method for preparing the buckwheat and prickly pear composition according to claim 6, characterized in that, The baking temperature is 150~200℃ and the time is 10~60min; the particle size of the buckwheat powder is 60~100 mesh; the freeze-drying temperature is -55~-80℃ and the time is 24~48h; the particle size of the prickly pear powder is 60~100 mesh.

8. The use of the buckwheat and prickly pear composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in the preparation of functional foods for the adjuvant treatment of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or hypertension combined with hyperlipidemia.

9. The application according to claim 8, characterized in that, The dosage forms of the functional foods include powders, granules, capsules, tablets, or oral liquids.

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