A pharmacological and phytochemical investigation of the herb cerasee - a popular Caribbean folk remedy for hypertension

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cerasee (vines and leaves of the Momordica charantia Linn.) is used to prepare a tea employed in Caribbean folk medicine to treat hypertension. In one survey, it was found to be the most popular anti-hypertensive herb used on the island of St. Kitts, West Indies. There is also evidence that it is used by African Caribbean hypertensive patients living in the United Kingdom, and that reliance on this and other herbal remedies may interfere with adherence to prescribed anti-hypertensive therapy. AIMS: The broad aims of the project are (1.) examine the effects of cerasee tea on blood pressure and heart rate using a rat model in order to assess its potential hypotensive effects. (2.) determine the pharmacological mechanism by which any such effects are mediated. (3.) to isolate the phytochemicals present in cerasee tea which cause these effects. PRELIMINARY RESULTS: A sample of cerasee tea obtained in the United Kingdom was extracted with hot water. The "tea" was filtered, and serially diluted solutions administered to anaesthetised rats by intravenous infusion. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored. Cerasee tea produced a transient fall in blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: These pilot data support a claim for the pharmacological activity of cerasee tea. The data conform with a case report of hypotension in two children following consumption of the tea and with the traditional use, for high blood pressure, of M. charantia in the Caribbean, and the related species M. foetida in Southern Africa. FUTURE WORK Funding is being sought for a larger project to confirm the preliminary data obtained above, and fulfil aims (2) and (3) listed above. Further studies are required to determine whether cerasee or its component phytochemicals have any therapeutic potential or toxic effects following acute or chronic administration. This will indicate whether cerasee consumption in conjunction with prescribed anti-hypertensive therapy should be discouraged. The work will complement a proposed parallel study examining the botanical and chemical variation of "cerasee" samples available in London and their parents of the use by the African Caribbean community. (AU)