In vivo Assessment of the Antihypertensive Effect of Schrankia leptocarpa (Mimosoideae) in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a serious public health problem. The ethnobotanical studies revealed the use of numerous medicinal plants in beninese pharmacopeia of which Schrankia leptocarpa for the hypertension treatment. Aims: The study aims to characterize the phytochemical profile of the hydroalcoholic extract of Schrankia leptocarpa and to evaluate its antihypertensive potential in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Methodology: Hydroalcoholic extraction of the plant was performed and the chemical groups were determined by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The study involved 40 Wistar rats, divided into four groups of 10 animals each. Hypertension was induced by administering L-NAME (20 mg/kg) for 7 consecutive days. From day 8 onwards, treatments were administered for 7 days (D8 to D14): Schrankia leptocarpa extract (200 and 500 mg/kg) or Captopril (100 mg/kg), while the control groups received distilled water. The animal’s blood pressure was measured by carotid catheterisation under thiopental anaesthesia using a Spacelabs monitor. The toxicological profile of the extracts was determined according to the guidelines of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The results were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a p-value of 0.05. Results: Alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, tannins, saponins, and traces of anthracene derivatives were found to be present in the extract. Administration of the extract at a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight showed no signs of toxicity in Wistar rats. This study showed that L-NAME increased mean arterial pressure to 168.4 mmHg in rats. Treatment with the hydroalcoholic extract of Schrankia leptocarpa significantly reduced it to 140.5 mmHg (−27.9 mmHg), while captopril lowered it to 145.5 mmHg (−22.9 mmHg). Conclusion: The hydroalcoholic extract of Schrankia leptocarpa showed significant antihypertensive effects in L-NAME-induced rats, supporting its potential for developing improved traditional therapies against hypertension.