Antihypertensive and ACE-2 Inhibitory Effects of Daphne gnidium in Rats.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: The antihypertensive activity of Daphne gnidium was tested. BACKGROUND: Daphne gnidium (Thymelaeaceae) is used against hypertension. OBJECTIVE: The antihypertensive effect of Daphne gnidium was evaluated in this study. METHODS: The effect of Daphne gnidium aqueous extract (DGAE, 100 and 180 mg/kg) on blood pressure was evaluated in rats. In addition, the vasorelaxant effect of this extract was also tested. RESULTS: DGAE lowered blood pressure in hypertensive rats and exhibited vasorelaxant activity. In addition, cumulative concentrations of DGAE induced vasodilatation through receptoractivated calcium channels (ROCCs) without affecting ACE-2. CONCLUSION: The aqueous extract of Daphne gnidium exhibits antihypertensive activity and induces vasodilatation via the inhibition of Ca2+ entry.