Antihypertensive effect and the underlying mechanisms of action of phytolaccagenin in rat models

Background: Phytolaccagenin, a natural triterpenoid, is reported for various biological activities that indicate its potential role in the management of hypertension.

Methods: Phytolaccagenin was evaluated for its antihypertensive activity in rat models via in vivo and in vitro experiments using polyethylene tubings for cannulation, organ bath bubbled with carbogen gas, and a pressure transducer connected to a PowerLab data acquisition system.

Results: Intravenous administration of phytolaccagenin decreased mean arterial pressure (MAP), significantly, in normotensive and hypertensive anesthetized rats. Pretreatment of rats with atropine (2 mg/kg) partially reversed the decrease in blood pressure due to phytolaccagenin at first tested doses. However, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (100 mg/kg) pretreatment modified the effect of phytolaccagenin on blood pressure with greater response. In isolated rat aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine, cumulative addition of phytolaccagenin induced relaxation that is ablated (50%) with denudation and pre-incubation with atropine (1 μM) and L-NAME (10 μM). Phytolaccagenin also partially inhibited high K⁺ precontraction at initial doses, while an inhibitory effect was observed at higher concentrations, confirming its effect on voltage-dependent calcium channels. In isolated spontaneously beating rat atrial strips, phytolaccagenin suppressed the atrial tone that was reduced with isoprenaline and atropine pre-incubation, suggesting the role of cardiac adrenergic and muscarinic receptors. Interestingly, atenolol (1 μM) pretreatment also ablated the cardiac effects of phytolaccagenin.

Conclusion: The antihypertensive effect of phytolaccagenin is due to a decrease in vascular resistance and cardiac depressant effects. These effects are mediated via muscarinic receptors-linked NO pathway, inhibitory effect on CA²⁺ movements (vascular), and activation of cardiac muscarinic and blockade of β-adrenergic receptors.