The influence of extracts and fractions from matoa leaves (Pometia pinnata) on angiotensin I levels

Abstract


 Introduction: The matoa plant (Pometia pinnata) leaves can be used to treat hypertension. Matoa leaves are thought to have antihypertensive activity because they contain flavonoids. These flavonoids can reduce blood pressure that is modulated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). It is suspected that matoa leaves have antihypertensive activity as they contain quercetin which is a compound that is presumed to be an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. 
 Aims: This study aims to determine which extracts and fractions from matoa leaves are able to decrease angiotensin I levels. 
 Methods: The extraction was done by maceration with 96% ethanol solvent and fractionated by a liquid method using an n-hexane fraction solvent, an ethyl acetate fraction, and a water fraction. In this study, 21 male Wistar rats were used as test animals and divided into seven groups: Group I was the normal control, group II was the negative control (CMC-Na 1%), group III was the positive control (Irbesartan), group IV was given matoa leaf extract with 60 mg/200g body weight ratio, Group V was given 2.34 mg/g fraction of n-hexane, Group VI was given ethyl acetate fraction 9.54 mg/200g ethyl acetate fraction, and Group VII was given water fraction 7.98 mg/200g water fraction. The data obtained was analysed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, the Levene test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). 
 Results: The results showed that the angiotensin I levels induced by angiotensin II were more significant (p < 0,05) than those in the normal and negative groups. The ethyl acetate fraction showed a 23.6% decrease in angiotensin I level, which was close to the 24.8% decrease in the positive group. The extract from the matoa leaves showed a 17.2% decrease in angiotensin I levels which were close to the 20% decrease in the positive group.