Simultaneous use of Morinda citrifolia fruit extract and amlodipine: Antihypertensive activity and sub-chronic toxicity in rats

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of the simultaneous use of Morinda citrifolia fruit extract (MCFE) and amlodipine (AML) on rats’ antihypertensive activity and sub-chronic toxicity. The antihypertensive activity was assessed in 25 male Wistar rats divided into 5 groups: 1. normal, 2. negative control (NaCl 8%), 3. positive control [NaCl 8% + AML 1 mg/kg body weight (BW)], 4. Treatment-1 [NaCl 8% + MCFE (45 mg/kg BW)], and 5. Treatment-2 [NaCl 8% + MCFE (45 mg/kg BW) + AML (1 mg/kg BW)]. MCFE and AML were given orally on days 22–35. The blood pressure was measured on days 0, 7, 21, 28, and 35. The sub-chronic toxicity study was conducted with a repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity test. The results showed that the blood pressure reduction in the treatment-2 group was not significantly different from those in the positive control or treatment-1 group (p > 0.05). In addition, it changed aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine levels, and histological parameters in the liver and kidneys. The simultaneous use of MCFE and AML might have the same activity as either AML or MCFE alone but could cause toxic effects on liver and kidney function. Therefore, simultaneous use should not be considered for hypertension therapy.