Antioxidative and blood pressure-lowering effects of Scurrula atropurpurea on deoxycorticosterone acetate–salt hypertensive rats

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate whether a methanolic extract of Scurrula atropurpurea (BL.) Dans. (MESA) was able to reduced oxidative stress and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in deoxycorticosterone acetate–salt hypertensive rats. Twenty-five male Wistar were divided into the control group and four hypertensive groups that received the MESA at a doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, or 200 mg/kg bodyweight, or received no MESA. SBP was recorded by tail cuff methods. The levels of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were analyzed by colorimetry. SBP was increased significantly in the hypertensive group compared to the sham group (p < 0.05). Administration of MESA significantly decreased SBP, but not to reach the level of the sham group. The level of MDA was significantly higher in the hypertensive group compared to the sham group (p < 0.05). Administration of MESA₂₀₀ significantly decreased the MDA levels compared to HR groups (p < 0.05). The SOD level was significantly decreased in HR compared to the sham group (p < 0.05). Administration of MESA₅₀ elevated the SOD levels to reach the level in the sham group. The SOD levels in MESA₁₀₀ and MESA₂₀₀ were significantly higher compared to the sham group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Scurulla atropurpurea is able to modulate SOD, diminish oxidative stress, and decrease SBP in deoxycorticosterone acetate–salt hypertensive rats.