Aqueous Extract of Fagara tessmannii Engl. (Rutaceae) Exhibits Antihypertensive Activity in NO Synthase Inhibitor-Induced Hypertensive Rats

Abstract

Background: Most cardiovascular troubleshot ultimately result of endothelial dysfunction-induced hypertension, an intractable problem in modern medicine. Fagara tessmannii, a shrub of the African rainforests found in Cameroon is traditionally used to treat heart diseases and hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate the preventive effects of the aqueous extract of F. tessmannii (AEFT) on arterial hypertension induced by NG-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME). Methods: Male Wistar rats received saline (5 mL.kg-1 , intraperitoneally) or L-NAME (25 mg.kg-1 ; intraperitoneally), L-NAME + AEFT (100 or 200 mg.kg-1 ; orally) or captopril (20 mg.kg-1 ; orally) for three weeks. Then, blood and pulse pressures (BP and PP), heart rate, lipid profile, kidney, liver and heart function markers and oxidative status were evaluated. Results: AEFT (100 and 200 mg.kg-1 ) prevented the increase in BP (p < 0.001), PP (p < 0.01), and heart rate (p < 0.05) induced by L-NAME. The extract has suppressed the decline of weight gain, visceral fat and triglyceridemia, decreased total cholesterol, increased HDL-cholesterol, and significantly reduced (p < 0.001) atherogenic and coronary risk indicators. AEFT also improved the liver, kidney and heart markers, nitrites levels and prevented TBARS enhancement as compared to the hypertensive group. The remodeling of the media and fibrosis process in coronaries were also prevented by the extract. Conclusion: These results suggest that AEFT can prevent endothelial dysfunction-induced hypertension, dyslipidemia and associated atherogenic risks, and oxidative stress induced by L-NAME.