Effect of policosanol on arterial blood pressure in rats. Study of the pharmacological interaction with nifedipine and propranolol.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Policosanol is a natural mixture of higher aliphatic primary alcohols isolated from sugar cane wax (Saccharum officinarum, L) with cholesterol-lowering effects demonstrated in experimental models and in patients with type II hyperlipoproteinemia. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of policosanol on arterial blood pressure and its interaction with propranolol and nifedipine. METHODS: Single doses of policosanol (25, 50 and 200 mg/kg) orally administered to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) did not significantly change arterial pressure. RESULTS: The study on pharmacological interactions between policosanol (200 mg/kg) and both antihypertensive agents revealed that pretreatment with high doses of policosanol significantly increased propranolol-induced hypotensive effects, while the effects of nifedipine remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that policosanol does not antagonize the hypotensive effect of beta-blockers but it can increase the hypotensive effect of beta-blockers without modifying cardiac frequency.