Ethanolic extract of Cissus quadrangularis improves vasoreactivity by modulation of eNOS expression and oxidative stress in spontaneously hypertensive rats

ABSTRACT

Background

Endothelial dysfunction is related to the reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) and plays a significant role in developing hypertension. The intake of a diet rich in antioxidants decreases the threat of hypertension. Cissus quadrangularis possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic activities. However, to date, no studies have been performed to explore this plant’s antihypertensive and vasorelaxant activity. Herein, we investigated the chronic effect of C. quadrangularis on blood pressure as well as vascular function in hypertensive rats.

Methods

Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were randomly divided into two groups. Normotensive Wistar rats were taken as the control group. The treatment was done using ethanolic extract of C. quadrangularis (EECQ) at a dose of 200 mg/kg.

Results

The administration of EECQ for six weeks reduced the systolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, and heart rate. It also alleviated the cardiac and renal hypertrophy indices. Supplementation of EECQ improved the endothelium-dependent aortic vasodilation induced by acetylcholine. It restored the NO level and endothelial NO synthase expression in the aorta. Subsequently, the extract alleviates the oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in SHR rats.

Conclusion

Thus, in the present study, the chronic treatment of EECQ to genetically hypertensive rats improved endothelium-dependent relaxation in addition to its antihypertensive effect by eNOS activation and inhibition of ROS production, inflammation.

Graphical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Cissus quadrangularis
• nitric oxide
• endothelial nitric oxide synthase
• flavonoids
• polyphenols

Highlights

• EECQ decreased systolic blood pressure in SHR.

• EECQ improved endothelium-dependent relaxation in SHR aorta.

• EECQ increased the total NO level in SHR aorta.

• EECQ increased the expression of phosphorylated eNOS in SHR.

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the Indian Council of Medical Research for providing research fellowship to A.A.S, P.B., and A.H; Department of Biotechnology for providing research fellowship to M.S, and University Grant Commission for providing research fellowship to P.S. CRDI communication number 10294.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Credit author statement

AAS and JRG designed the work and study plan; AAS, MS, MIR, PB, AH, and PS carried out the experiments; AAS, MS, KH, and JRG compiled and analyzed the data research data; AAS and JRG prepared the manuscript. All data were generated in-house, and no paper mill was used. All authors agree to be accountable for all aspects of work ensuring integrity and accuracy.

Additional information

Funding

The current work was financially assisted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Indian Council of Medical Research, University Grant Commission, and Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India.