Antihypertensive, antidyslipidemic and endothelial modulating activities of Orchis mascula

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the possible mode(s) of action for the medicinal use of Orchis mascula (OM) (family Orchidaceae) in hypertension and dyslipidemia. In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), OM significantly (Po0.05) reduced systolic blood pressure to 174.2±9.63 vs. 203.4±7.13 mm Hg (mean±s.e.m.; n¼7-10) and improved endothelial dysfunction by increasing acetylcholine-induced relaxation. In normotensive anesthetized rats, the crude extract of OM (Om.Cr) at 10 and 30 mg kg À1 caused a dose-dependent attenuation of mean arterial pressure. OM also decreased serum triglycerides to 29.28 ± 6.99 vs. 93.84 ± 5.7 mg per 100 ml (Po0.001), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol to 5.99 ± 1.27 vs. 21.9 ± 3.5 mg per 100 ml (Po0.05) and atherogenic index to 0.096±0.017 vs. 0.36±0.08 mg per 100 ml (Po0.05). OM significantly reduced lipid levels in tyloxapol and high fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia. In a second model, OM also reduced gain in body weight with a reduction in daily diet consumption. In isolated rabbit aorta, Om.Cr caused concentration-dependent relaxation of both phenylephrine and high K + (80 mM)-induced contractions and a rightward shift of the calcium concentration-response curves similar to the effect seen with verapamil. In conclusion, OM shows antihypertensive and endothelial-modulating effects mediated through multiple pathways that include direct vasodilation by calcium channel blockade and reduction of plasma lipids by inhibition of biosynthesis, absorption and secretion. This study rationalizes the medicinal use of OM in hypertension and dyslipidemia. However, further studies are required to identify the active constituents of this plant.

Studies on two polyherbal formulations (ZPTO and ZTO) for comparison of their antidyslipidemic, antihypertensive and endothelial modulating activities

“…Similarly, Trikatu , a polyherbal formulation corrects deranged lipid in a better way [6] compared to the individual effectiveness of Z. officinalis [8,9] and P. nigrum [10,11]. The present study also proves better efficacy and safety of O. mascula in the form of mixture compared to its individual actions [16]. …”

“…Moreover, ZTO reduced LDL-C and glucose levels, but not shared by ZPTO. The cumulative better effective profile of ZTO in CVDs might be because of the individual beneficial effects of its components; Z. officinalis [14,15,44], T. belerica [45,46] and O. mascula [16]. …”

“…In addition, Z. officinalis [14,15] and O. mascula [16] have also been studies individually in our lab using a set of in-vitro assays and animal models for their efficacy in cardiovascular disorders. However, there is hardly any comprehensive study available indicating the effectiveness of the selected combinations of medicinal herbs in CVDs with synergistic and/or side effects neutralizing potential, as the intake of single ingredient alone at high dose for longer duration could be otherwise harmful [17].…”

Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of polyherbal formulation and its ingredients in cardiovascular disorders using rodents

“…SD rats (180–250 g) of either sex were used by following an earlier method [42]. The animals were randomly selected and were anesthetized with an intraperitoneal injection of thiopental sodium (purchased from Pharmacy of Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan) at a dose of 40–70 mg/kg body weight.…”

Evaluation of Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate and Neurotransmitters in Experimental Obesity: Impact of Black Pepper and Coffee Aqueous Extracts

“…Furthermore, it has been used for screening chemical and natural hypolipidemic drugs, studying lipid metabolism, and investigating the metabolic interrelationship between blood lipoproteins [3,4].…”