TY - JOUR T1 - Antihypertensive Effects of Osteospermum Imbricatum in Two Hypertensive Rat Models JF - Pharmacognosy Journal Y1 - 2021 A1 - Charlotte Mungho Tata A1 - Constance Rufaro Sewani-Rusike A1 - Olukayode Aremu A1 - Opeoluwa Oyehan Oyedeji A1 - Benedicta Ngwenchi Nkeh-Chungag KW - Antioxidants KW - High blood pressure KW - Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester KW - Spontaneously hypertensive rats AB -

Introduction: Osteospermum imbricatum is used traditionally in Eastern Cape, South Africa for the management of hypertension, chest and stomach complaints. This study was aimed at investigating the antioxidant and antihypertensive effects of this plant. Methods: Antioxidant capacity was determined by radical scavenging assays and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Antihypertensive effects after once off treatment with the leaf/root extracts (500 mg/kg) were evaluated in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The effect of the extracts on established hypertension was determined in Wistar rats treated with Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (40 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks followed by co-treatment with L-NAME and extracts (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) or amlodipine (5 mg/kg) or normal saline for 4 more weeks. Results: The concentration at which there was 50 % inhibition (IC50) of DPPH radical by the extracts was lower for the leaf extract (0.79 mg/mL) compared to the root extract (1.15 mg/mL). The leaf extract significantly (p<0.01) decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressures in both rat models. Conclusion: The extracts of Omsteospermum imbricatu have moderate antioxidants and antihypertensive properties.

VL - 13 IS - 3 ER -