Cardioprotective effects of methanol/methylene chloride extract of Vitex cienkowskii (Verbebaceae) in L-NAME induced hypertension in rats

Introduction: Vitex cienkowskii Kotschy & Peyritsch (VC) stem bark is commonly used in Cameroonian traditional medicine to treat various metabolic illnesses including cardiovascular diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the mechanisms of hypotensive effects of methanol/methylene chloride extract of Vitex cienkowskii and its cardioprotective effects after a subchronic treatment. Methodology: Hypotensive mechanisms was studied on blood pressure and heart rate of anesthetized normotensive rats, by intravenous administration of VC extract (40 mg/kg) in presence of atropine (0.1 mg/kg), propranolol (2 mg/kg), cimetidine (15 mg/kg), or reserpine (5 mg/kg). Preventive effects were studied after oral administration of extract (200 or 400 mg/kg) or captopril (25 mg/kg) simultaneously with L-NAME (40 mg/kg) in rats for 4 weeks. Body weight and food intake were measured weekly. At the end of treatment, blood pressure and heart rate were recorded. Heart, aorta, kidneys and liver were weighted. Reduced gluthatione, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide, catalase and lipid profile were measured. Results: The hypotensive effect of VC was significantly reduced by atropine. The extract prevented L-NAME hypertension and improved body weight and food intake of rats. VC reduced left ventricular hypertrophy, improved antioxidant status and lipid profile. Conclusion: The MeOH-CH2Cl2 stem bark extract of Vitex cienkowskii exerts cardioprotective effect in L-NAME induced hypertension. This effect could be due at least in part by improving endothelial function, lipid profile and oxidative status. These findings justify the traditional use of VC as treatment in cardiovascular disorders. (C) 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.