Effect of Viscum articulatum Burm. (Loranthaceae) in Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester induced hypertension and renal dysfunction

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceViscum articulatum Burm. is used traditionally in Chinese medicine for treating hypertension. Aim of the studyThe present study was designed to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of the methanolic extract of Viscum articulatum (MVA) against Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) induced hypertension in rats. Materials and methodsSix groups of rats were investigated for 4 weeks as normal control, l-NAME (40mg/kg/day), l-NAME+enalapril (15mg/kg/day), l-NAME+l-arginine (100mg/kg/day), l-NAME+MVA (200mg/kg/day) and l-NAME+MVA (400mg/kg/day) for four weeks. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured weekly throughout the experimental period. The urine electrolytes concentration, cardiac mass index, serum nitrate/nitrite (NOx) level, serum creatinine level and lipid profile were determined. ResultsTreatment with MVA (200 and 400mg/kg) or enalapril delayed the rise in SBP produced by administration of l-NAME. None of the treatments had a significant effect on the depression of the serum NOx level caused by l-NAME. The serum creatinine and total cholesterol concentrations were elevated upon administration of l-NAME, and this elevation was prevented by MVA co-administration. The urine volume and urine potassium ion level were depressed by l-NAME administration and this effect being inhibited in MVA and enalapril groups. There was no cardiac hypertrophy and HR change after 28 day of l-NAME administration. ConclusionWe conclude that MVA may have an antihypertensive effect in the NO deficient type of hypertension, which may be attributed to its diuretic, nephroprotective and hypolipidemic actions.