Vasorelaxant and Antihypertensive Effects of Mentha pulegium L. in Rats: An In vitro and In vivo Approach

Title:Vasorelaxant and Antihypertensive Effects of Mentha pulegium L. in Rats: An In vitro and In vivo Approach

Volume: 21 Issue: 7

Author(s): Mohammed Ajebli and Mohamed Eddouks*

Affiliation:

• Department of Ethnopharmacology and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, BP 509, Boutalamine, 52000, Errachidia,Morocco

Keywords: Mentha pulegium, hypertension, vasorelaxant, L-NAME, calcium channels, medicinal plant.

Abstract:

Aims The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of aqueous aerial part extract of Mentha pulegium L. (Pennyrile) (MPAE) on arterial pressure parameters in rats.

Background: Mentha pulegium is a medicinal plant used to treat hypertension in the Moroccon population.

Methods: In the current study, MPAE was prepared and its antihypertensive activity was pharmacologically investigated. L-NAME-hypertensive and normotensive rats received MPAE (180 and 300 mg/kg) orally for six hours for acute experiment and during seven days for the sub-chronic treatment. Thereafter, systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were evaluated. In the in vitro experiment, isolated denuded and intact thoracic aortic rings were suspended in a tissue bath system and the tension changes were recorded.

Results: A fall in blood pressure was observed in L-NAME-induced hypertensive treated with MPAE. The extract also produced a dose-dependent relaxation of aorta pre-contracted with NE and KCl. The study showed that the vasorelaxant ability of MPAE seems to be exerted through the blockage of extracellular Ca²⁺ entry.

Conclusion: The results demonstrate that the extract of pennyrile exhibits antihypertensive activity. In addition, the effect may be, at least in part, due to the dilation of blood vessels via blockage of Ca²⁺ channels.

Cite this article as:

Ajebli Mohammed and Eddouks Mohamed *, Vasorelaxant and Antihypertensive Effects of Mentha pulegium L. in Rats: An In vitro and In vivo Approach, Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets 2021; 21 (7) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871530320666200909093908