Antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of the Lagenaria siceraria fruit in NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced hypertensive rats

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Fruit and Combination with Losartan Attenuate the Elevation of Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Rats Induced by Angiotensin II

Objectives

Cucumis sativus L. (C. sativus) is vegetable commonly used for managing blood pressure and often consumed in combination with standard antihypertensive therapy, despite lack of scientific evidence supporting their use. Combination of herbs and standard medication could have positive or negative effects. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of C. sativus and the combined effect with losartan in the hypertensive rat model induced by angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system that, upon binding to its receptor, constricts blood vessels leading to elevation of blood pressure.

Methods

In an antihypertensive study, rats received C. sativus orally at doses of 9, 18, 27, and 36 mg/kg (full dose); while in a combination study, animals received losartan 2.25 mg/kg combined by either with C. sativus 9 or 18 mg/kg. The standards group received losartan 2.25 mg/kg or 4.5 mg/kg (full dose).

Results

Blood pressure was measured using the tail-cuff method. C. sativus significantly attenuated angiotensin II-induced hypertension as observed in groups receiving C. sativus at 9, 18, 27, and 36 mg/kg at 30 minutes after induction showed the average change (Δ) of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) with respect to time zero were 28.8/18.3, 24.8/15.8, 22.8/15.5, and 11.5/9.0 mmHg, respectively. Whereas the average change (Δ) of SBP and DBP in the rats receiving the combination of half doses of C. sativus and losartan were 8.8/9.0 mmHg, respectively. These diminished effects were better than a full dose of C. sativus and comparable with a full dose of losartan (6.5/7.8 mmHg).

Conclusion

The present findings indicate that C. sativus dose-dependently blocks blood pressure elevation induced by angiotensin II. The combination of half dose of C. sativus and losartan has an additive effect in lowering blood pressure.

Bioactive molecules from terrestrial and seafood resources in hypertension treatment: focus on molecular mechanisms and targeted therapies

Hypertension (HTN), a complex cardiovascular disease (CVD), significantly impacts global health, prompting a growing interest in complementary and alternative therapeutic approaches. This review article seeks to provide an up-to-date and thorough summary of modern therapeutic techniques for treating HTN, with an emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of action found in substances found in plants, herbs, and seafood. Bioactive molecules have been a significant source of novel therapeutics and are crucial in developing and testing new HTN remedies. Recent advances in science have made it possible to understand the complex molecular mechanisms underlying blood pressure (BP)-regulating effects of these natural substances better. Polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and peptides are examples of bioactive compounds that have demonstrated promise in influencing several pathways involved in regulating vascular tone, reducing oxidative stress (OS), reducing inflammation, and improving endothelial function. The article explains the vasodilatory, diuretic, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) modifying properties of vital plants such as garlic and olive leaf. Phytochemicals from plants are the primary in traditional drug development as models for novel antihypertensive drugs, providing diverse strategies to combat HTN due to their biological actions. The review also discusses the functions of calcium channel blockers originating from natural sources, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and nitric oxide (NO) donors. Including seafood components in this study demonstrates the increased interest in using bioactive chemicals originating from marine sources to treat HTN. Omega-3 fatty acids, peptides, and minerals obtained from seafood sources have anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and antioxidant properties that improve vascular health and control BP. Overall, we discussed the multiple functions of bioactive molecules and seafood components in the treatment of HTN.

Bottle Gourd Juice: Poison or Panacea

Ingestion of toxic bottle gourd juice, particularly the bitter one, may pose a significant risk to life if not treated in time. Notwithstanding its usefulness, people drink it routinely without concern for fruit quality, extraction hygiene, and mixture with other fruits. We report two cases of bottle gourd juice poisoning with severe abdominal pain and hematemesis. On evaluation, patients were hypotensive with associated esophagitis, pangastritis, and duodenitis. After conservative management, both were discharged after five days of hospitalisation. We conclude that the chances of bottle gourd juice poisoning are higher in water-stressed arid regions; hence, care should be taken on quality and quantity while consuming it.

Pulegone Prevents Hypertension through Activation of Muscarinic Receptors and Cyclooxygenase Pathway in L-NAME-Induced Hypertensive Rats

The current study was designed to determine pulegone's antihypertensive and vasoprotective activity in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Firstly, the hypotensive dose-response relationship of pulegone was evaluated in normotensive anesthetized rats using the invasive method. Secondly, the mechanism involved in hypotensive activity was determined in the presence of pharmacological drugs such as atropine/muscarinic receptor blocker (1 mg/kg), L-NAME/NOS inhibitor (20 mg/kg), and indomethacin/COX inhibitor (5 mg/kg) in anesthetized rats. Furthermore, studies were carried out to assess the preventive effect of pulegone in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Hypertension was induced in rats by administering L-NAME (40 mg/kg) orally for 28 days. Rats were divided into six groups which were treated orally with tween 80 (placebo), captopril (10 mg/kg), and different doses of pulegone (20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, and 80 mg/kg). Blood pressure, urine volume, sodium, and body weight were monitored weekly. After 28 days, the effect of pulegone on lipid profile, hepatic markers, antioxidant enzymes, and nitric oxide was estimated from the serum of treated rats. Moreover, plasma mRNA expression of eNOS, ACE, ICAM1, and EDN1 was measured using real-time PCR. Results show that pulegone dose-dependently decreased blood pressure and heart rate in normotensive rats, with the highest effect at 30 mg/kg/i.v. The hypotensive effect of pulegone was reduced in the presence of atropine and indomethacin, whereas L-NAME did not change its hypotensive effect. Concurrent treatment with pulegone for four weeks in L-NAME-treated rats caused a reduction in both systolic blood pressure and heart rate, reversed the reduced levels of serum nitric oxide (NO), and ameliorated lipid profile and oxidative stress markers. Treatment with pulegone also improved the vascular response to acetylcholine. Plasma mRNA expression of eNOS was reduced, whereas ACE, ICAM1, and EDN1 levels were high in the L-NAME group, which was facilitated by pulegone treatment. To conclude, pulegone prevented L-NAME-induced hypertension by demonstrating a hypotensive effect through muscarinic receptors and cyclooxygenase pathway, indicating its use as a potential candidate in managing hypertension.

Camel (Camelus dromedarius) raw milk’s hypotensive roles within chemical induced hypertension model in rats

Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) inhabit not only arid areas but are among common domestic animals that are normally kept for numerous uses. It’s raw milk (CM) is believed to have exceptional nutraceutical value in addition to it’s other uses similar to camel itself. This study aimed to evaluate hypotensive efficacy of raw CM within context of chemical induced hypertension model in albino rats. Rats received the chemical; L-NAME (50 mg/kg body weight/day, p.o.) and amlodipine (10 mg/kg/day, p.o.) as negative and positive controls for 4 weeks. Rats of treatment group received concurrently L-NAME (50 mg/kg body weight /day, p.o.) and raw milk of camel at (100, 300, and 500 mg/kg body weight/day p.o.) respectively for 4 weeks. Result showed significant decrease (p <  0.001) in treatment relative to negative control in all measured parameters viz systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures in accordance to the used dosages. Also elevated levels of liver/kidney biomarkers in negative control became reduced compared to normal and positive controls courtesy of CM treatment. In conclusion, obtained data revealed CM to be effective in controlling hypertension. The bioactive constituents present in CM appeared likely to be responsible for the observed effect of antioxidant action and ACE inhibition. Evidence is thus provided from research findings that raw CM can afford efficient hypotensive effect.

Combining LC-MS/MS profiles with network pharmacology to predict molecular mechanisms of the hyperlipidemic activity of Lagenaria siceraria stand

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lagenaria siceraria Stand. (Family: Cucurbitaceae), popularly known as bottle gourd, is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a food plant, especially in hypertension and obesity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Investigations were undertaken to assign novel lead combinations from this common food plant to multi-molecular modes of actions in the complex disease networks of obesity and hypertension. LC-MS/MS based metabolite screening, in-vivo high fat diet induced hyperlipidemia animal study and network pharmacology explorations of the mechanism of action for lipid lowering effects including a neighbourhood community approach for molecular combinations were performed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Major chemical constituents of the fruits of LS (LSFE) were analysed by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS-QTOF. Wistar albino rats (n = 36), divided into 6 groups (n = 6) received either no treatment or a high-fat diet along with LSFE or Atorvastatin. Lipid profiles and biochemical parameters were evaluated. In silico cross-validated network analyses using different databases and Cytospace were applied.

RESULTS

Profiling of LSFE revealed 18 major constituents: phenolic acids like p-Coumaric acid and Ferulic acid, the monolignolconferyl alcohol, the flavonoid glycosides hesperidin and apigenin-7-glucoside. Hyperlipidemic animals treated with LSFE (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg) showed a significant improvement of their lipid profiles after 30 days of treatment. Network pharmacology analyses for the major 18 compounds revealed enrichment of the insulin and the ErbB signalling pathway. Novel target node combinations (e.g. AKR1C1, AGXT) including their connection to different pathways were identified in silico.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined in vivo and bioinformatics analyses propose that lead compounds of LSFE act in combination on relevant targets of hyperlipidemia. Perturbations of the IRS→Akt→Foxo1 cascade are predicted which suggest further clinical investigation towards development of safe natural alternative to manage hyperlipidemia.

Lagenaria siceraria fruit: A review of its phytochemistry, pharmacology, and promising traditional uses

Since ancient times, the Cucurbitaceae family is used as a therapeutic option in human medicine. This family has around 130 genera and 800 species. Researchers have studied the various plants of this family including Lagenaria siceraria due to their medicinal potential. Various properties are beneficial for human health, that have been attributed to L. siceraria like antioxidant, hypolipidemic, diuretic, laxative, hepatoprotective, analgesic, antihypertensive, cardioprotective, central nervous system stimulant, anthelmintic, free radical scavenging, immunosuppressive, and adaptogenic. The fruit of this plant is commonly used as a vegetable that has a low-calorie value. The species possess a diverse set of biological compounds like flavonoids, sterols, saponins, and terpenoids. Vitamins, choline, flavonoids, minerals, proteins, terpenoids, and other phytochemicals are also found in the edible parts of this plant. Besides 17 different amino acids, many minerals are reported to be present in the seeds of L. siceraria. According to the USDA nutritional database per 100 g of L. siceraria contains 14 Kcal energy, 3.39 g carbohydrates, 0.62 g protein, 0.2 g fat, and 0.5 g fiber. L. siceraria performs a wide range of pharmacological and physiological actions. The literature reviewed from various sources including PubMed, Science Direct, Google scholar, etc. shows the remarkable potential to treat various human and animal illnesses due to its' potent bioactive chemicals. The key objective of this thorough analysis is to present a summary of the data about the beneficial and harmful effects of L. siceraria intake on human health, as well as in veterinary fields.

The Clinical Efficacy of Chemotherapy Combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Cervical Cancer and Its Influence on Cellular Immunity, Serum CEA, and TNF-α

BACKGROUND

This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of chemotherapy combined with traditional Chinese medicine in patients with cervical cancer and its effect on cellular immunoglobulin, serum sugar chain antigen 125 (CA125), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).

METHODS

Conventional chemotherapy was performed in control and observation groups. Meantime, the observation group received traditional Chinese medicine. Finally, the clinical efficacy, immunoglobulin, serum tumor markers, and serum TNF-α of the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, total effective rate in the observation group was increased. After treatment, serum CD8+, TNF-α, CA125, and CEA levels were reduced in the two groups, and the observation group was higher. In the two groups, CD3+ and CD4+ levels were enhanced after treatment, and the observation group was also higher. Compared with the control group, the immunoglobulin IgG, IgA, and IgM levels increased in the observation group. The incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was reduced compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Chemotherapy combined with traditional Chinese can help improve the clinical efficacy and immunity in patients with cervical cancer. Moreover, the safety and feasibility of the treatment method are relatively high.

Effects of garden cress, fenugreek and black seed on the pharmacodynamics of metoprolol: an herb-drug interaction study in rats with hypertension

CONTEXT

Garden cress (GC), fenugreek (FG), and black seed (BS) are traditional herbal medicine for managing hypertension.

OBJECTIVE

The effects of the three herbs on the pharmacodynamics of metoprolol tartrate (MT) in hypertensive rats were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Wistar rats were divided in five groups (n = 6). Group I served as normal control group and Group II (hypertensive control group) had rats treated orally with N-nitro L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 40 mg/kg/day) only. Groups III, IV, and V rats were orally treated with L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day) + GC (300 mg/kg, once daily), L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day) + FG (300 mg/kg, once daily) and L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day) + BS (300 mg/kg, once daily), respectively, for 2 weeks, and on the 14th day, blood pressure and heart rate were recorded using a tail-cuff blood pressure-measuring system. On the 16th day, a single dose of MT (10 mg/kg) was orally administered, and the rats' blood pressure and heart rate were recorded.

RESULTS

GC, FG, and BS decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 8.7%, 8.5%, and 8.7%, respectively, in hypertensive rats. A greater decrease in SBP by 14.5%, 14.8%, and 16.1% was observed when hypertensive rats were treated with L-NAME + GC + MT, L-NAME + FG + MT, and L-NAME + BS + MT, respectively. Similarly, hypertensive rats treated with the combination of herbs and MT had significantly lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP) than those treated with herbs alone and those treated with L-NAME alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of investigated herbs and MT had a beneficial effect on hypertension. However, the concurrent administration of drugs, particularly those predominantly cleared through CYP450 2D6-catalyzed metabolism, with the three investigated herbs should be considered with caution.

Aqueous extract of large cardamom inhibits vascular damage, oxidative stress, and metabolic changes in fructose-fed hypertensive rats

PURPOSE

Since metabolic abnormalities such as elevated glucose level and imbalanced lipid profiles increase the risk for hypertension and cause endothelial dysfunction, we evaluated the effect of aqueous extract of large cardamom (AELC) on fructose-induced metabolic hypertension and oxidative stress.

METHODS

The male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups with 5 rats in each group, and each group was fed with 10% fructose in drinking water for 8 weeks. Starting from week 5, animals were treated with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day AELC or Losartan (10 mg/kg/day). Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure was measured once in every seven days using the tail-cuff method. Vascular function, plasma nitric oxide (NO), glucose, lipid profiles, serum biochemical, and anti-oxidant parameters were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Rats fed with fructose showed higher blood pressure, serum cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, but decreased in the AELC or Losartan treatment group. Treatments with AELC prevented exaggerated plasma glucose and oxidative stress and restored the nitric oxide level in fructose-fed rats. Besides, it also reduced vascular proliferation and improved the relaxation response of acetylcholine in the aorta pre-contracted with phenylephrine.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the obtained results suggest that AELC can prevent and reverse the high blood pressure induced by fructose, probably by restoring nitric oxide level and by improving altered metabolic parameters.

Lagenaria siceraria and it's bioactive constituents in carbonic anhydrase inhibition: A bioactivity guided LC-MS/MS approach

INTRODUCTION

Lagenaria siceraria, is a popular food plant among Indians, contains a large number of phenolic compounds with several medicinal benefits, mentioned in Indian System of Medicine (ISM).

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the carbonic anhydrase inhibitory potential and inhibitory mechanism of the most potent fraction of L. siceraria fruits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The extract and fraction of dried fruit of L. siceraria screened for their in vitro carbonic anhydrase II (bCA II) inhibitory activity. The active fraction was purified by using flash chromatography. The bioactive compounds were identified and quantified through liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS/MS) and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Finally, the underlying carbonic anhydrase inhibitory mechanism of the compounds was explained by enzyme kinetics and molecular docking study.

RESULTS

The LC-QTOF-MS based identification of the most active fraction revealed the presence of phenolic compounds. The results of the enzyme inhibition assay revealed that coniferyl alcohol, ferulic acid and p-Coumaric acid inhibited bCA II activity [half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀ ) value range of 80 to 250 μM) in a dose dependent manner. The kinetics study of enzyme inhibition revealed that p-Coumaric acid binds to the enzyme competitively whereas the non-competitive type of inhibition was observed for ferulic acid and coniferyl alcohol. The molecular docking study explored the interaction mechanism of phenolic compounds at the active site of bCA II.

CONCLUSION

The present research led us to conclude that, the phenolic compounds from L. siceraria serve as major contributors for carbonic anhydrase inhibition, which could play a useful role in the management of oedema, hypertension, obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Effect of Methanol Extract of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Fruit Pulp on NG-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) Induced Hypertension in Rats

INTRODUCTION

Most available drugs used for management of hypertension have presented a plethora of challenges which genuinely called for development of therapies from natural sources.

AIM

This study investigated the effect of methanol extract of Adansonia digitata fruit (MEADF) pulp on N^G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced hypertension in rats.

METHODS

Fourty eight (48) wistar rats divided into six (6) groups (eight rats each) were employed. The induction of hypertension was achieved using L-NAME (40mg//kg body weight) by oral gavages. The induced rats were treated with MEADF pulp (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) and Ramipril (10 mg/kg) and the remaining three groups serve as control. Serum haemodynamic and biochemical modifiable parameters were determined using standard assay procedures RESULTS: Administration of MEADF to the rats exerted a dose-dependent lowering effect on the elevated systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and heart rate towards the normal physiological threshold. At 400 mg/kg of MEADF, there was significant (p < 0.05) reduction in serum lipid profile and biomarkers associated with endothelial dysfunction [angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity], inflammation (C-reactive protein and interleukin-1β), oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) and cardiac injury (creatine kinase-MB and lactate dehydrogenase activities). However, serum concentrations of nitric oxide, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, total bilirubin and albumin were not significantly (p < 0.05) different from those found in normal control group.

CONCLUSION

This study therefore demonstrates that MEADF possesses an in vivo ACE inhibitory activity, hypotensive potential and the ability to avert further degeneration of biochemical and physiological upsets associated with L-NAME induced hypertension.

Ethanolic Extract of Salvia hispanica L. Regulates Blood Pressure by Modulating the Expression of Genes Involved in BP-Regulatory Pathways

Hypertension (HT) is considered to be a potential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and has been directly related to pathologies such as obesity and dyslipidemias. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) blocked the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone cascade diminishing the production of angiotensin II and the level of bradykinin, produced by the kallikrein-kinin system. Although ACEIs are effective therapeutics in regulating HT, they present several side-effects that can be due to their mechanism of action (as hypotension, cough, dizziness, light-headedness or hyperkalemia) to specific drug molecular structure (skin rash, neutropenia and tasting disorders) or due to associated pathologies in the patients (it has been considered a possible nephrotoxic effect when ACEIs are administered in combination with angiotensin receptor blockers, in patients that present comorbidities as diabetes, acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease). Therefore, it is necessary the searching for new products with ACEI activity that do not produce side effects. Interestingly, species of the plant genus Salvia have been found to possess hypotensive effects. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of the ethanolic extract of Salvia hispanica L. seeds (EESH) on the expression of genes involved in pathways regulating HT. Administration of EESH to hypertensive rats inhibited the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity along with a decrease in Ace and elevation of Agtr1a and Nos3 gene expression, as compared to that in healthy rats. Moreover, these results were similar to those observed with captopril, an antihypertensive drug used as a control. No significant change in the expression of Bdkrb2 gene was observed in the different groups of rats. To conclude, our results demonstrate that EESH regulates blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive rats through transcriptionally regulating the expression of genes that participate in different pathways involving ACE.

A Review on the Potential Use of Medicinal Plants From Asteraceae and Lamiaceae Plant Family in Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, and its rate of mortality is rising annually. In accordance with the current condition, studies on medicinal plants upon their activity on cardiovascular diseases are often being encouraged to be used in cardiovascular disease management, due to the availability of medicinal values in certain dedicated plants. This review was conducted based on two plant families, which are Asteraceae and Lamiaceae, to study on their action in cardiovascular disease relieving activities, to review the relationship between the phytochemistry of Asteraceae and Lamiaceae families and their effect on cardiovascular diseases, and to study their toxicology. The medicinal plants from these plant family groups are collected based on their effects on the mechanisms that affect the cardiovascular-related disease which are an antioxidant activity, anti-hyperlipidemic or hypocholesterolemia, vasorelaxant effect, antithrombotic action, and diuresis effect. In reference to various studies, the journals that conducted in vivo or in vitro experiments, which were used to prove the specific mechanisms, are included in this review. This is to ensure that the scientific value and the phytochemicals of the involved plants can be seen based on their activity. As a result, various plant species from both Asteraceae and Lamiaceae plant family have been identified and collected based on their study that has proven their effectiveness and uses in cardiovascular diseases. Most of the plants have an antioxidant effect, followed by anti-hyperlipidemia, vasorelaxant, antithrombotic, and diuretic effect from the most available to least available studies, respectively. These are the mechanisms that contribute to various cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack, stroke, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. Further studies can be conducted on these plant species by identifying their ability and capability to be developed into a new drug or to be used as a medicinal plant in treating various cardiovascular diseases.

Antioxidant and vasorelaxant effects of aqueous extract of large cardamom in L-NAME induced hypertensive rats

PURPOSE

The present work aimed to study the effect of aqueous extract of large cardamom (AELC) to prevent vascular remodeling and oxidative stress in N^ω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertension.

METHOD

Male Wistar rats were administered with L-NAME 40 mg/kg/day for 28 days by oral gavage. The treatments included captopril (20 mg/kg/day) or AELC (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day) along with L-NAME administration.

RESULTS

L-NAME treated rats showed high systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure, decreased nitric oxide level, increased level of malondialdehyde in plasma, heart, aorta and kidney, hypertrophy of the vascular wall and reduced vascular response to acetylcholine in phenylephrine-precontracted aorta. Treatment with AELC markedly reduced the blood pressure, restored the nitric oxide level, reduced the malondialdehyde level, alleviated the hypertrophy in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Additionally, it also improved the vascular response to acetylcholine in phenylephrine pre-contracted aorta.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our results demonstrate the preventive effect of AELC in L-NAME-induced hypertensive model, which is possibly related to antioxidant activities and restoration of nitric oxide level.

Prosopis alba seed flour improves vascular function in a rabbit model of high fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome

AIMS

Prosopis alba flour is a natural source of nutrient and phytochemicals with potential effects on cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this work was to examine the effects of dietary supplementation with Prosopis alba seed flour (Pr-Feed) on a high fat diet (FD)-induced rabbit model of metabolic syndrome.

MAIN METHODS

Rabbits were separated in four groups: fed regular diet (CD); CD supplemented with Pr-Feed; fed on 18 % FD; FD supplemented with Pr-Feed. All diets were administrated for 6 weeks. After the feeding period body weights, mean blood pressure, heart rate and visceral abdominal fat (VAF) were determined; glucose tolerance test (GTT) was performed; total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), fasting glucose (FG), aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, bilirubin and creatinine were measured in serum. Abdominal aorta was excised and vascular function was assessed by acetylcholine relaxation and contractile response to KCl, norepinephrine and angiotensin II.

KEY FINDINGS

Phytochemical analyses showed that the main compounds of Pr-Feed were apigenin C-glycosides. FD increased VAF, FG, TG, reduced HDL-cholesterol and induced abnormal GTT. Pr-Feed addition to FD did not modify these alterations. Aortic rings from rabbits fed on FD exhibited an impaired relaxation-response to acetylcholine and increased agonist vasoconstrictor responses. Pr Feed-supplemented FD improved the response to acetylcholine, and prevented the increase of the contractile response to KCl, norepinephrine and angiotensin II.

SIGNIFICANCE

Results suggest that dietary supplementation with Pr-Feed, rich in apigenin C-glycosides, has vascular protector properties and could be used to prevent vascular alterations characterizing the metabolic syndrome.

Moderate Effect of Flavonoids on Vascular and Renal Function in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Many studies have shown that flavonoids are effective as antihypertensive drugs in arterial hypertension. In the present work, we have analyzed the effects of some flavonoid extracts in the spontaneous hypertensive rat model (SHR). An important feature of this study is that we have used a low dose, far from those that are usually applied in human therapy or experimental animals, a dose that responded to the criterion of a potential future commercial use in human subjects. Treatments were carried out for 6 and 12 weeks in two groups of SHR rats, which received apigenin, lemon extract, grapefruit + bitter orange (GBO) extracts, and cocoa extract. Captopril was used as a positive control in the SHR group treated for 6 weeks (SHR6) and Diosmin was used as the industry reference in the SHR group treated for 12 weeks (SHR12). Captopril and GBO extracts lowered the high arterial pressure of the SHR6 animals, but none of the extracts were effective in the SHR12 group. Apigenin, lemon extract (LE), GBO, and captopril also improved aortic vascular relaxation and increased plasma and urinary excretion of nitrites, but only in the SHR6 group. Kidney and urinary thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were also significantly reduced by GBO in the SHR6 rats. Apigenin also improved vascular relaxation in the SHR12 group and all the flavonoids studied reduced urinary thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) excretion and proteinuria. Vascular abnormalities, such as lumen/wall ratio in heart arteries and thoracic aorta, were moderately improved by these treatments in the SHR6 group. In conclusion, the flavonoid-rich extracts included in this study, especially apigenin, LE and GBO improved vascular vasodilatory function of young adult SHRs but only the GBO-treated rats benefited from a reduction in blood pressure. These extracts may be used as functional food ingredients with a moderate therapeutic benefit, especially in the early phases of arterial hypertension.

Beneficial Effects of Different Flavonoids on Vascular and Renal Function in L-NAME Hypertensive Rats

BACKGROUND

we have evaluated the antihypertensive effect of several flavonoid extracts in a rat model of arterial hypertension caused by chronic administration (6 weeks) of the nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor, L-NAME.

METHODS

Sprague Dawley rats received L-NAME alone or L-NAME plus flavonoid-rich vegetal extracts (Lemon, Grapefruit + Bitter Orange, and Cocoa) or purified flavonoids (Apigenin and Diosmin) for 6 weeks.

RESULTS

L-NAME treatment resulted in a marked elevation of blood pressure, and treatment with Apigenin, Lemon Extract, and Grapefruit + Bitter Orange extracts significantly reduced the elevated blood pressure of these animals. Apigenin and some of these flavonoids also ameliorated nitric oxide-dependent and -independent aortic vasodilation and elevated nitrite urinary excretion. End-organ abnormalities such as cardiac infarcts, hyaline arteriopathy and fibrinoid necrosis in coronary arteries and aorta were improved by these treatments, reducing the end-organ vascular damage.

CONCLUSIONS

the flavonoids included in this study, specially apigenin, may be used as functional food ingredients with potential therapeutic benefit in arterial hypertension.

Echinodorus grandiflorus: Ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological overview of a medicinal plant used in Brazil

Echinodorus grandiflorus (Cham. & Schltdl.) Micheli is a native Brazilian species used in traditional practices for the treatment of several conditions such as inflammatory diseases, arthritis and hypertension. Through a systematic review of the accumulated knowledge about the species E. grandiflorus, the botanical, phytochemistry, ethnobotanical and pharmacological properties of this medicinal plant demonstrates its potential to naturally provide anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant with a special emphasis on anti-hypertensive and cardioprotective effects. The body of literature reports that the chemical composition of crude E. grandiflorus extracts are notably composed of diterpenoids and flavonoids metabolites. Pharmacological studies have shown that oral treatments using the hydroalcoholic extracts of leaves from this plant has a significant anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, diuretic and cardioprotective effects in rats with no toxicity. The holistic activities of complex extracts are corroborated by the individuals mechanisms of action, as well as, synergistic benefits attributed to the isolated chemical major constituents in this species. In light of the serious health concerns ascribed, it is important to investigate medicinal plant species with histories of traditional use for circulatory problems to meet the growing demands by scientifically validating their use and safety.

Antioxidant and Myocardial Preservation Activities of Natural Phytochemicals from Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) Seeds

Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) seeds (MBS) contain abundant nutrients with biological activities. This study was aimed to isolate key bioactive components from MBS with antioxidant and myocardial preservation activities. A new flavonoid C-glycoside, isovitexin-6″-O-α-l-glucoside, and 14 known compounds were obtained. Their structures were identified by extensive 1D and 2D NMR and FT-ICR-MS spectroscopic analyses. The antioxidant activities of these compounds were evaluated. Compounds 1-5 and 7-10 displayed 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS(•+)) scavenging activity, but only 5 and 7 exhibited 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH(•)) scavenging activity. The myocardial preservation effect of 2, 3, and MBS were investigated by measuring the serum levels of LDH, CK, and AST as well as the tissue level of MDA and SOD. The results demonstrated that 2, 3, and MBS had a significant protective effect against ISO-induced myocardial ischemia. MBS can be regarded as a potential new source of antioxidants and myocardial preservation agents.

Biotechnology and pharmacological evaluation of Indian vegetable crop Lagenaria siceraria: an overview

Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae, which comprises about 118 genera and 825 species. It is an important vegetable crop of India, and its production is influenced by a number of factors viz., environmental, nutritional, cultural operation and use of plant growth regulators. Since, bottle gourd belongs to a medicinal family, it plays a major role in the treatment of several diseases related to the skin and heart. There are several organic chemical compounds including vitamin B complex, pectin, dietary soluble fibres, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, amino acids and minerals which have been isolated from this species. Therefore, the bottle gourd is considered to have a great impact on therapeutic health benefits. Due to drastic industrialization and urbanization, most of the human beings are facing several ill effects which may lead to death at extreme cases. Hence, the major research area was said to be nanotechnology. Taking into consideration, we have combined nanotechnology field with waste source in the name of green synthesis and planned to cure several diseases, as most of the researchers focused their work on this and succeeded too. The present study is a complete review of L. siceraria that covers the ethnomedical uses, chemical constituents, and pharmacological profile. This study is mainly focused on the antibacterial, hepatoprotective, diuretic and anthelminthic activities.

Identification and characterization of the phenolic glycosides of Lagenaria siceraria Stand. (bottle gourd) fruit by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Bottle gourd, Lagenaria siceraria Stand. (Cucurbitaceae), fruit is used in folk medicines and for culinary purposes in Asia. The phenolics of bottle gourd fruit were investigated qualitatively by LC-MS(n). Twenty-two phenolic glycosides were detected and characterized on the basis of their unique fragmentation pattern in the negative ion mode tandem MS spectra. Twenty of them were extracted for the first time from this source, and twelve of them have not been reported previously in nature. It was also possible to distinguish between the individual classes of isobaric phenolic glycosides by tandem and high-resolution mass spectrometry. In this study we also discuss the mass spectrometric fragmentation mechanism of 6-(hydroxycinnamoyl)glucoses. This is the first report of the full characterization of phenolic glycosides of bottle gourd fruit by LC-MS²⁻⁴.