Aqueous extract of oakmoss produces antihypertensive activity in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats through sGC-cGMP pathway

Clin Exp Hypertens. 2021 Jan 2;43(1):49-55. doi: 10.1080/10641963.2020.1797087. Epub 2020 Jul 24.

Abstract

Background: Lichens are a symbiotic association of a fungus with a green alga or cyanobacterium. They are widely used in traditional medicine as a treatment against skin disorders, diabetes and hypertension.

The aim of the study: The goal of this paper was to assess the possible antihypertensive and vasorelaxant capacity of the aqueous extract of a lichen species called Oakmoss or Evernia prunastri (L.).

Material and methods: In the present study, the aqueous extract of Oakmoss was prepared, its antihypertensive activity was examined in N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats, and its vasorelaxant ability was performed in rat isolated thoracic aorta.

Results: The results proved that Oakmoss reduced the systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure, and heart rate in hypertensive rats but not in normotensive rats. Besides, the data showed that Oakmoss exerts its antihypertensive effect through vasorelaxant ability.

Conclusion: The present study presents the favorable action of Oakmoss as an antihypertensive agent.

Keywords: Hypertension; lichens; oakmoss; pathways; vasorelaxant.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Antihypertensive Agents / pharmacology
  • Aorta, Thoracic / drug effects*
  • Arterial Pressure / drug effects
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / pharmacology
  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / toxicity
  • Glyburide / pharmacology
  • Hypertension / chemically induced
  • Hypertension / metabolism
  • Hypertension / physiopathology*
  • KATP Channels / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Male
  • Methylene Blue / pharmacology
  • NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester / toxicity
  • Nifedipine / pharmacology
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Parmeliaceae*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Propranolol / pharmacology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Resins, Plant
  • Terpenes
  • Vasodilator Agents / pharmacology

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • KATP Channels
  • Plant Extracts
  • Resins, Plant
  • Terpenes
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • oakmoss
  • Propranolol
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase
  • Nifedipine
  • Glyburide
  • Methylene Blue
  • NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester

Supplementary concepts

  • Evernia prunastri