The 7+ Benefits of Losartan

Typically, losartan is used in treating hypertension (high blood pressure), but it has many more off-label uses, like improving muscle growth.

Losartan (Cozaar) is an Angiotensin II receptor blocker. R

Angiotensin II is a potent vasoactive peptide that can increase arterial blood pressure. R

Its main uses are in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage due to diabetes), and congestive heart failure. R

1. Is Neuroprotective

In animal models, losartan has shown to been neuroprotective against glaucoma. R

In multiple studies, losartan can effectively lower blood pressure.  R R 

At the same time it prevents blood pressure elevation from brain derived neurotrophic factor. R

It also improves blood flow and reduces the severity and frequency of Raynaud's phenomenon (when some areas of the body feel numb and cool in certain circumstances). R

Losartan has also been shown to protect the heart and arteries.

It inhibits scarring (via inhibition of TGF-b1) and calcification (by suppressing BMP2 and Runx2 expression) of the heart arteries. R R

When combined with Vitamin D, Losartan protects the heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury. R

Albuminuria is the presence of albumin in the urine, which is typically a symptom of kidney disease.

Losartan is able to improve albuminuria. R

It can also reduce the incidence of chronic kidney disease and improve mortality. R

6. Protects The Gut And Liver

In animal studies, losartan is helpful for Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis. R

It restores the normal histological structure of the colonic mucosa and submucosa (decreasing proinflammatory cytokines). R

It also decreases intestinal permeability (by inhibiting IEC apoptosis). R

In hepatic fibrosis models, losartan was able to improve serum liver enzyme levels. R

7. Helpful Against Certain Viruses

In animals, losartan was able to help some of the symptoms from dengue fever (by reducing IL-1β production). R

Losartan:

• Has high-affinity BDNF receptor TrkB antagonist ANA-12 R
• Its principal active metabolite i losartan carboxylic acid (LCA) R
• Increases Adiponectin R
• Increases M-Value R
• Increases TIMP1 R
• Increases Visfatin R
• Modulates PPAR-gamma R
• Processed via Cytochrome P-450 R
• Reduces AT1R (angiotensin II type 1 receptor, blocks the aldosterone-secreting effects of AngII) R R
• Reduces BMP2 R
• Reduces CB1 receptors R
• Reduces CRP R
• Reduces IL‐6 R
• Reduces MMP9 R
• Reduces NF-kB R
• Reduces NOX2 R
• Reduces RBP-4 R
• Reduces Resistin R 
• Reduces Runx2 R
• Reduces TGF-B1 (although may upregulated it) R R
• Reduces Th17 activity in renal cells R
• Reduces TNF‐α R
• Reduces VDR R

Losartan can induce hyponatremia (abnormally low sodium levels in blood). R

It may increase chance of kidney stones. R

Rhodiola rosea decreases its effectiveness. R

Losartan is well tolerated, even in children. R

It should NOT be used while pregnant. R

• Telmisartan may be more useful for pancreatic function in obese patients. R
• Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of losartan (5 μg) selectively inhibited increases in renal and brown adipose tissue (BAT) sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) produced by leptin (10 μg ICV) but did not reduce the SNA responses to corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) or the melanocortin receptor agonist MTII. R
• Losartan does not change HDAC expressions. R