EFFECTS OF N-HEXANE FRACTION OF THE SEED EXTRACT OF Piper guineense ON N
ω -NITRO-L-ARGININE METHYL ESTER HYDROCHLORIDE – INDUCED HYPERTENSION
IN RATS
Abstract
Aim of the Study This study aimed to investigate the effects of
the n-hexane fraction of the ethanolic seed extract of PG (NFESEPG) on
hypertension induced by Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in
rats. Specifically, the study examined the impact of NFESEPG on blood
pressure, oxidative stress markers, NO concentration,
angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and arginase activities, and cardiac
biomarkers in hypertensive rats. Materials and Methods The
study involved collecting, identifying, and processing the PG plant to
obtain the ethanolic seed extract. The extract was then partitioned with
solvents to isolate the n-hexane fraction. Hypertension was induced in
rats by oral administration of L-NAME for ten days, while concurrent
treatment with NFESEPG at two doses (200 and 400 mg/kg/day) was
administered orally. Blood pressure was measured using a non-invasive
tail-cuff method, and various biochemical parameters were assessed.
Results Treatment with both doses of NFESEPG significantly
reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in L-NAME-induced
hypertensive rats. Additionally, NFESEPG administration increased NO
concentration and decreased ACE and arginase activities, malondialdehyde
(MDA) levels, and cardiac biomarkers in hypertensive rats.
Conclusions The findings indicate that NFESEPG effectively
lowered blood pressure in hypertensive rats induced by L-NAME,
potentially through mechanisms involving the modulation of oxidative
stress, NO bioavailability, and cardiac biomarkers. These results
suggest the therapeutic potential of NFESEPG in managing hypertension
and related cardiovascular complications.