Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Epicatechin, a flavonoid commonly found in cocoa and plant-derived products, has been associated with potential cardiovascular benefits. However, its effects on blood pressure remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of epicatechin and epicatechin-rich interventions on blood pressure in adults. A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261340640). Interventional studies involving adult participants with normal blood pressure, elevated values, or hypertension were included. Studies evaluating epicatechin supplementation or epicatechin-rich interventions with a comparator group were considered. Following screening, thirteen studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Overall, most studies did not report significant differences in systolic or diastolic blood pressure between intervention and control groups. A small number of studies reported reductions in SBP and/or DBP, primarily in healthy individuals, with no consistent pattern of effect observed according to dosage, intervention type, or duration. Although some studies reported reductions, particularly in healthy populations, the overall evidence does not support a clear antihypertensive effect of epicatechin. Further well-designed clinical trials in hypertensive populations are needed to better establish epicatechin's efficacy.</p>