Evaluation of the antihypertensive activity of the aqueous extract and the major flavonoid from Boldoa purpurascens Cav. leaves

Abstract

Boldoa purpurascens Cav., traditionally used in Cuba for hypertension, lacks ethnopharmacological validation. This study evaluated its aqueous extract and major flavonoid (4,5-dihydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxyflavonol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-xylopyranoside) for antihypertensive effects in a salt-induced hypertensive rat model. Sprague Dawley rats (n = 34) were divided into six groups: normotensive control, hypertensive untreated, hypertensive + enalapril (15 mg/kg/day), hypertensive + B. purpurascens extract (40 or 80 mg/kg/day), and hypertensive + flavonoid (3 mg/kg/day). Blood pressure was measured pre- and post-treatment, while a histopathological analysis assessed the impact on kidney, heart, and brain tissues. It was found that the extract (80 mg/kg/day) significantly reduced systolic (−8.0 mmHg) and diastolic (−5.2 mmHg) blood pressures, comparable to control (enalapril). The flavonoid showed milder effects (−0.7 mmHg systolic, −2.5 mmHg diastolic). Pathological findings revealed reduced myocardial hypertrophy and reversible renal tubular damage with flavonoid treatment, while brain edema and congestion were absent. It was concluded that B. purpurascens exhibits dose-dependent antihypertensive activity, likely mediated by flavonoids. The major flavonoid attenuated organ damage, suggesting therapeutic potential. Future studies should assess the presence of other bioactive compounds in the B. purpurascens extract, as well as clarify the mechanism of action.