Extracts and Fractions from Edible Roots of Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw. with Antihypertensive Activity.

Galia Lombardo-Earl,Gabriela Rosas-Salgado,Alejandro Zamilpa,Maribel Herrera-Ruiz,Jaime Tortoriello,Rubén Roman-Ramos,Enrique Jiménez-Ferrer

doi:10.1155/2014/594326

Abstract

Sechium edule is traditionally used in Mexico as a therapeutic resource against renal diseases and to control high blood pressure. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the antihypertensive effect of the hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the roots of this plant, including its fractions and subfractions, on different hypertension models induced with angiotensin II (AG II). The hydroalcoholic extract was tested on an in vitro study of isolated aorta rings denuded of endothelial cells, using AG II as the agonist; this assay proved the vasorelaxant effect of this extract. Vagotomized rats were administered different doses of AG II as well as the Hydroalcoholic extract, which reduced blood pressure in 30 mmHg approximately; subsequently this extract was separated into two fractions (acetone and methanol) which were evaluated in the acute hypertension mouse model induced with AG II, where the acetone fraction was identified as the most effective one and was subsequently subfractioned using an open chromatographic column packed with silica gel. The subfractions were also evaluated in the acute hypertension model. Finally, the extract, fraction, and active subfraction were analyzed by MS-PDA-HPLC, identifying cinnamic derivative compounds like cinnamic acid methyl ester.

Highlights

Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw. (Cucurbitaceae) is an endemic plant from Mexico known as chayote
The aim of the current study was to evaluate the antihypertensive effect of S. edule root extract and fractions on two different murine models, in which the participation of the extracts as a calcium antagonist is proposed, as well as the possible modulation of angiotensin II (AG II), together with the chemical identification of the active compounds implicated in the pharmacological activity
The administration of the different dosages of SeRHA extract was capable of inhibiting the increment of BP when given the respective dose of AG II, the effect of which was preestablished in the dose dependent curve

Summary

Introduction

Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw. (Cucurbitaceae) is an endemic plant from Mexico known as chayote. (Cucurbitaceae) is an endemic plant from Mexico known as chayote. It is originally from southern Mexico (states of Veracruz, Puebla, and Oaxaca) and was domesticated in the valleys of Oaxaca and Tehuacan, Puebla [1]. The roots are described as a succulent fibrous tuber with a characteristic flavour [3]. This plant is used in the Mexican traditional medicine; in Motozintla, Chiapas, the “Mam” indigenous community employs the chayote plant for treating symptoms such as severe headaches with ringing ears, nervousness, and anxiety, where a decoction of the leaves is prepared for use as drinking water throughout the day [4]. Its use is reported for the treatment of renal and urinary disorders, like bladder or kidney stones, inflammation of the urethra, and difficulty and pain when urinating, as well as high blood pressure, varicose veins, and venous insufficiency, among others [5, 6]

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