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Journal of Translational Medicine

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Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research

Mechanisms underlying the antihypertensive properties of Urtica dioica

Authors: Rahila Qayyum, Hafiz Misbah-ud-Din Qamar, Shamim Khan, Umme Salma, Taous Khan, Abdul Jabbar Shah

Published in: Journal of Translational Medicine | Issue 1/2016

Abstract

Background

Urtica dioica has traditionally been used in the management of cardiovascular disorders especially hypertension. The aim of this study was to explore pharmacological base of its use in hypertension.

Methods

Crude methanolic extract of U. dioica (Ud.Cr) and its fractions (Ud.EtAc, Ud.nHex, Ud.Chl and Ud.Aq) were tested in vivo on normotensive and hypertensive rats under anesthesia for blood pressure lowering effect. In-vitro experiments on rat and rabbit aortae were employed to probe the vasorelaxation mechanism(s). The responses were measured using pressure and force transducers connected to PowerLab Data Acquisition System.

Results

Ud.Cr and fractions were found more effective antihypertensive in hypertensive rats than normotensive with remarkable potency exhibited by the ethyl acetate fraction. The effect was same in the presence of atropine. In isolated rat aortic rings, Ud.Cr and all its fractions exhibited l-NAME sensitive endothelium-dependent vasodilator effect and also inhibit K⁺ (80 mM)-induced pre-contractions. In isolated rabbit thoracic aortic rings Ud.Cr and its fractions induced relaxation with more potency against K⁺ (80 mM) than phenylephrine (1 µM) like verapamil, showing Ud.EtAc fraction the most potent one. Pre-incubation of aortic rings with Ud.Cr and its fractions exhibited Ca²⁺ channel blocking activity comparable with verapamil by shifting Ca²⁺ concentration response curves to the right. Ud.Cr and its fractions also ablated the intracellular Ca²⁺ release by suppressing PE peak formation in Ca²⁺ free medium. When tested on basal tension, the crude extract and all fractions were devoid of any vasoconstrictor effect.

Conclusions

These data indicate that crude methanolic extract and its fractions possess antihypertensive effect. Identification of NO-mediated vasorelaxation and calcium channel blocking effects explain the antihypertensive potential of U. dioica and provide a potential pharmacological base to its medicinal use in the management of hypertension.

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Title: Mechanisms underlying the antihypertensive properties of Urtica dioica
Authors: Rahila Qayyum
Hafiz Misbah-ud-Din Qamar
Shamim Khan
Umme Salma
Taous Khan
Abdul Jabbar Shah
Publication date: 01-12-2016
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Translational Medicine / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1479-5876
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-016-1017-3

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