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The Antihypertensive Effects and Mechanisms of Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction in Rats with H-Type Hypertension
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The Antihypertensive Effects and Mechanisms of Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction in Rats with H-Type Hypertension

Published on: May 17, 2024

Hancornia speciosa Gomes induces hypotensive effect through inhibition of ACE and increase on NO

G C Silva1, F C Braga, M P Lima

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

Journal of Ethnopharmacology
|July 16, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Hancornia speciosa leaves effectively lower blood pressure in mice by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and increasing nitric oxide (NO) levels, supporting its traditional use for hypertension.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Ethnobotany

Background:

  • Hancornia speciosa leaves are traditionally used in Brazil for diabetes and hypertension.
  • Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of global mortality, with rising incidence in Brazil.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antihypertensive effect of Hancornia speciosa.
  • To elucidate the mechanism of action behind its hypotensive properties.

Main Methods:

  • A standardized ethanolic extract fraction (SFH) from Hancornia speciosa leaves was prepared.
  • Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured in normotensive mice using tail plethysmography.
  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity and serum nitrite levels were assessed.

Main Results:

  • SFH demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in SBP in normotensive mice.
  • SFH significantly inhibited ACE activity and reduced angiotensin II levels, similar to captopril.
  • SFH administration led to increased plasma nitrite levels, and nitric oxide synthase inhibition attenuated the hypotensive effect.

Conclusions:

  • Hancornia speciosa exhibits a potent hypotensive effect in mice.
  • Inhibition of ACE, reduction of angiotensin II, and augmentation of nitric oxide contribute to the antihypertensive action.
  • These findings scientifically validate the traditional use of Hancornia speciosa for managing hypertension.
Abstract

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