Exploring the mechanism of the anti-hypertension properties of Morinda citrifolia through a bioinformatics approach

Abstract

Traditionally, noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) has been used to treat hypertension in tropical countries. The noni extract was proven to reduce blood pressure and relatively safe to the liver and kidney in the animal model. This extract could inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and plays a pivotal role in controlling blood pressure. However, the active compound of the extract that has function as the ACE inhibitor is still unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the mechanism of anti-hypertension of noni methanol extract as well as its active compound that acts as the ACE inhibitor by using a bioinformatics approach. An enzyme activity analysis showed that noni methanol extract inhibits ACE activity based on a dose-dependent manner. Further analysis using bioinformatic analysis suggested that three active compounds of Morinda citrifolia, namely linoleic acid, palmitate, and oleic acid, might be bound to PPARA and NOS3 protein. The two targeted protein is predicted as a regulator of blood pressure through the PPARA pathway. The findings showed that M. citrifolia has numerous active compounds containing multiple protein targets, which regulate blood pressure. However, in vitro and in vivo research should be conducted to provide evidence for the mechanism.