Vasorelaxant properties of Vernonia amygdalina ethanol extract and its possible mechanism. (1st January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ch'ng, Yung Sing; Loh, Yean Chun; Tan, Chu Shan; Ahmad, Mariam; Asmawi, Mohd. Zaini; Wan Omar, Wan Maznah; Yam, Mun Fei
• Is Part Of: Pharmaceutical biology. Volume 55:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 2083
• Page End: 2094
• Publication Date: 2017-01-01
• Subjects: Tri-step FTIR -- calcium channel -- potassium channel -- NO/cGMP pathway -- prostacyclin; Pharmacognosy -- Periodicals; Materia medica, Vegetable -- Periodicals; 615.321
• DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2017.1357735
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1388-0209

Abstract

Abstract: Context: Vernonia amygdalina Del. (VA) (Asteraceae) is commonly used to treat hypertension in Malaysia. Objective: This study investigates the vasorelaxant mechanism of VA ethanol extract (VAE) and analyzes its tri-step FTIR spectroscopy fingerprint. Materials and methods: Dried VA leaves were extracted with ethanol through maceration and concentrated using rotary evaporator before freeze-dried. The vasorelaxant activity and the underlying mechanisms of VAE using the cumulative concentration (0.01–2.55 mg/mL at 20-min intervals) were evaluated on aortic rings isolated from Sprague Dawley rats in the presence of antagonists. Results: The tri-step FTIR spectroscopy showed that VAE contains alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. VAE caused the relaxation of pre-contracted aortic rings in the presence and absence of endothelium with EC50 of 0.057 ± 0.006 and 0.430 ± 0.196 mg/mL, respectively. In the presence of Nω-nitro-l -arginine methyl ester (EC50 0.971 ± 0.459 mg/mL), methylene blue (EC50 1.203 ± 0.426 mg/mL), indomethacin (EC50 2.128 ± 1.218 mg/mL), atropine (EC50 0.470 ± 0.325 mg/mL), and propranolol (EC50 0.314 ± 0.032 mg/mL), relaxation stimulated by VAE was significantly reduced. VAE acted on potassium channels, with its vasorelaxation effects significantly reduced by tetraethylammonium, 4-aminopyridine, barium chloride, and glibenclamide (EC50 0.548 ± 0.184, 0.158 ± 0.012, 0.847 ± 0.342, and 0.304 ± 0.075 mg/mL, respectively). VAE was also found to be active in reducing Ca 2+ released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and blocking calcium channels. Conclusions: The vasorelaxation effect of VAE involves upregulation of NO/cGMP and PGI2 signalling pathways, and modulation of calcium/potassium channels, and muscarinic and β2 -adrenergic receptor levels.