Effect of Trema guineensis (celtidaceae) on ethanol-induced hypertension in Wistar rats.

Abstract

Objective: Trema guineensis is a traditional medicinal plant used to treat cardiovascular diseases in Africa. Here, we evaluated the effects of its hydro-alcoholic leaves on ethanol-induced hypertension. Method: Four groups of five rats each were used in this study. Group I, the control group, received distilled water (10 ml kg-1), Group II received ethanol (35°) at 3 g/kg, and Groups III and IV received ethanol (35°) at 3 g/kg followed by 200 and 400 mg/kg extract, respectively. Ethanol solutions were administered over 8 weeks. Results: The ethanol solutions increased body weight, blood pressure, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO). As for the hematological parameters, the ethanol solutions reduced hemoglobin, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, polymorphonuclear cells, and lymphocytes, as well as corpuscular volume compared with the control group. The T. guineensis extract significantly prevented increased body weight, blood pressure, SOD, MDA, GSH, and NO. The extract also normalized hematological parameters. Conclusion: These results suggest that this extract contains antihypertensive properties that protect against ethanol-induced hypertension.