Pharmacophore an International Research Journal
Glucocorticoids are among the most frequently given medications. Excess glucocorticoid amounts, unfortunately, cause hypertension in 80-90 percent of individuals. Malus domestica Borkh (Family: Rosaceae), known as apple, has been utilized for different diseases since ancient times and is still popular today due to its high antioxidant, vitamin, and trace element content. The purpose of this study was to explore the antihypertensive effect of M. domestica peel extract (MDPE) in Dexamethasone (Dexa)-induced hypertension in Wistar rats. Animals were randomly grouped into 6 (n=5). Group I- vehicle, Group II & III- MDPE (200 & 400 mg kg-1day-1 p.o., respectively for 14 days), Group IV Dexa (1.8 mg kg-1 week-1 14 days, Group V and VI- Dexa (1.8 mg kg-1 week-1 with MDPE (200 and 400 mg kg-1 day1 p.o., 14 days). Dexa was given subcutaneously. Results obtained at the end of the dosing period revealed that MDPE treatment significantly reversed changes in mean arterial blood pressure (BP) measured by invasive method (IBP), Pressure rate index (PRI), heart rate (HR) and changes in vascular reactivity to various catecholamines. Heart weight and serum levels of Creatine kinase (CK-MB) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) decreased significantly after MDPE treatment in Dexa-treated animals. This study confirmed that M. domestica peel extract treatment for 14 days partially reversed Dexa-induced hypertension in rats.
