Effect of myricetin on deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt-hypertensive rats

Chronic administration of myricetin (100 and 300 mg kg⁻¹, p.o., for 4 weeks) isolated from Vitis vinifera (Vitaceae) ameliorated hypertension and oxidative stress induced by deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt in rats. Myricetin treatment reduced systolic blood pressure, vascular reactivity changes and reversed the DOCA-induced increase in heart rate. Urinary sodium excretion was significantly decreased in animals treated with myricetin compared to the DOCA group when measured by flame photometer. The cumulative concentration response curve of serotonin (5-HT) and angiotensin II (Ang II) were shifted towards the right in rats treated with myricetin using the isolated rat fundus strip and ascending colon, respectively. Increased levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and decreased levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione in the heart tissue were observed in animals treated with DOCA, which were reversed by myricetin. Thus, myricetin shows antihypertensive and antioxidant properties in the DOCA model of hypertension.