Codonopsis lanceolata extract prevents hypertension in rats

Abstract

Background: Codonopsis lanceolata, a plant with antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and blood lipid improving effects, has been widely used as a therapeutic agent in traditional medicine. Purpose: The present study investigated the ability of an ethanol extract of Codonopsis lanceolata (ECL) to prevent hypertension in hypertensive rats. Methods: Rats were orally administered daily doses of 0 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg ECL for 3 weeks. As a positive control, rats were orally administered 10 mg/kg/day nifedipine. Hypertension was induced by immobilization stress for 2 h/day and by administration of 0.8 mg/kg/day nicotine for 3 weeks, followed by injection of 3 mg/kg nicotine on the day of sacrifice. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured using a volume pressure recording system. Vasoconstriction and vasodilation of aortic cross sections were measured with a physiological recorder. Neutrophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were estimated with an automated cell counter. Results: Treatment with both dosages of ECL significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) in hypertensive rats. Both doses of ECL tended to increase ACh- and SNP-induced vascular relaxation in hypertensive rats. Treatment with 200 mg/kg ECL significantly reduced neutrophil in hypertensive rats. Conclusions: These results suggest that ECL is effective in reducing SBP and inflammation in hypertensive conditions.