Lipid and Blood Pressure Lowering Potential of <em>Mikania micrantha</em> Through Enzymatic Inhibition

Abstract

Mikania micrantha Kunth (Asteraceae) or locally known as "Selaput tunggul" is a perennial creeping vine that widely used by local practitioners for treatment or prevention of various diseases. In Malaysia, M. micrantha is consumed as a juice (by boiling in hot water) as an alternative to reduce cholesterol, high blood pressure, and glucose. Hyperlipidemia is defined as increased blood cholesterol, triglycerides or both, while hypertension is defined as persistent elevation of systolic (> 140 mmHg) and diastolic (> 80 mmHg) blood pressures [1]. A combination of different strategies is used to treat and manage hyperlipidemia and hypertension. One of them is through inhibition of the key enzymes responsible for hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Aim: To examine the potential of various extracts of the leaves and stems of M. micrantha to inhibit enzymes relevant to hyperlipidemia i.e., pancreatic lipase (PL), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarylcoenzyme A reductase (HMGR) and hypertension i.e., angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE).