Anti-hypertensive effect of Morus alba L extract in rats

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the probable antihypertensive effects of Morus alba L. extract (MALE) in renovascular hypertensive rats, and the mechanism involved in the reduction of blood pressure. Methods: The two-kidney one-clip (2K1C) Goldblatt model of renovascular hypertension was used in Wistar rats. The 2K1C group rats were treated with captopril (30 mg/kg), and Morus alba extract (75 and 150 mg/kg) daily for 6 weeks by intragastric administration. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured by the tail-cuff method. Urine creatinine and urea of the rats were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also evaluated using standard techniques. Results: In the captopril- and extract-treated groups, blood pressure decreased progressively over the course of the 6-week treatment period compared with that of the control rats (p < 0.01). The extract at 150 mg/kg also significantly (p < 0.05) increased plasma SOD activity but decreased plasma MDA concentration. Renal function significantly (p < 0.01) improved following captopril and extract (150 mg/kg) treatment. Conclusion: The results suggest that Morus alba extract exerts its antihypertensive effect in rats by inhibiting endothelin (ET)-converting enzyme and via its antioxidant activity. Thus, the plant extract has some potentials for development into a new drug in for use in humans.