Mechanisms underlying the antihypertensive properties of Urtica dioica

• DOI: 10.1186/s12967-016-1017-3
• Publication Date: 2016-09-02T16:55:18Z
• Authors: Rahila Qayyum; Hafiz Misbah-ud-D...; Shamim Khan; Umme Salma; Taous Khan; Abdul Jabbar Shah
• Keywords: Urtica dioica; Urticaceae

Urtica dioica has traditionally been used in the management of cardiovascular disorders especially hypertension. The aim this study was to explore pharmacological base its use Crude methanolic extract U. (Ud.Cr) and fractions (Ud.EtAc, Ud.nHex, Ud.Chl Ud.Aq) were tested vivo on normotensive hypertensive rats under anesthesia for blood pressure lowering effect. In-vitro experiments rat rabbit aortae employed probe vasorelaxation mechanism(s). responses measured using force transducers connected PowerLab Data Acquisition System. Ud.Cr found more effective antihypertensive than with remarkable potency exhibited by ethyl acetate fraction. effect same presence atropine. In isolated aortic rings, all l-NAME sensitive endothelium-dependent vasodilator also inhibit K+ (80 mM)-induced pre-contractions. thoracic rings induced relaxation against mM) phenylephrine (1 µM) like verapamil, showing Ud.EtAc fraction most potent one. Pre-incubation Ca2+ channel blocking activity comparable verapamil shifting concentration response curves right. ablated intracellular release suppressing PE peak formation free medium. When basal tension, crude devoid any vasoconstrictor These data indicate that possess Identification NO-mediated calcium effects explain potential provide a medicinal