Effects of Solvent Extracts of <i>Peristrophe bicalyculata</i> Leaves and Stem on Blood Pressure, Kidney and Liver Enzymes of two Kidney-One-Clip Hypertensive Rats

Abstract

The aqueous, butanolic and methanolic fractions of Peristrophe bicalyculata were assessed for their effects on the arterial blood pressure,  liver enzymes and some kidney parameters in hypertensive rats. Forty rats were assigned into nine groups of five rats each: control,  hypertensive control, reference drug, enalapril (3.8 mg/kg body weight), methanolic, butanolic and aqueous extracts at 100 and 200  mg/kg body weight each. All the rats, except the control group were made hypertensive using the Two Kidney One Clip (2K1C) method.  Administration of the extracts started four weeks after induction of hypertension, and lasted for two weeks. Blood pressure was  determined before inducing hypertension, and then after the induction on weekly basis. Liver and kidney parameters were determined at  the end of the administration. Results revealed significant decrease (p<0.05) in blood pressure of the rats that were given the extracts  compared to the hypertensive control group. The serum levels of urea and creatinine, as well as alanine aminotranferase (ALT) activity  significantly decreased in the rats administered the reference drug and extracts, while the butanolic extract did not have effect on activity  of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) compared to the hypertensive control group. However, rats  treated with the aqueous extract, especially at a higher dose (200 mg/kg body weight) significantly (p<0.05) reduced the blood pressure  and all the parameters determined compared to those administered the butanolic and methanolic extracts of the plant. In conclusion,  this study has further supported that acclaimed antihypertensive effect and attenuation of liver and kidney damage of Peristrophe  bicalyculata, with the aqueous extract being the most effective.