Evaluation of the Effects of Mulberry Leaf Extracts Morus alba L. on Cardiovascular, Renal, and Platelet Function in Experimental Arterial Hypertension
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: Many epidemiological studies have observed that the use of foods rich in polyphenols and flavonoids has beneficial effects on diseases such as arterial hypertension [HTN]. Recent studies from our laboratory have shown that some flavonoids have a beneficial effect as antihypertensive agents in several animal models of HTN. Objective: We have evaluated the effect of mulberry extracts Morus alba L. in an experimental HTN model due to nitric oxide [NO] deficiency. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used, divided into control groups, hypertensive rats treated with a six-week treatment of an inhibitor of NO synthesis [L-NAME] in the drinking water, L-NAME rats treated with an extract of Morus alba L. and L-NAME rats treated simultaneously with captopril. After six weeks of treatment, blood pressure was measured as well as endothelial vascular function in the aorta and platelet aggregation function. Results: Morus alba L extract prevents the development of arterial hypertension due to NO deficiency, although without completely normalizing it as does captopril. It also reduces the excessive vasoconstrictor response to phenylephrine in aortic rings and improves vasodilation to acetylcholine, both effects dependent on the increase in NO production. In addition, Morus alba L extract reduced the increased platelet aggregation to ADP and collagen in hypertensive animals, although without normalizing it. Conclusions: Morus alba L extract has an antihypertensive effect, improves vascular reactivity and platelet aggregation in a model of arterial hypertension. These effects are related to an increase in the effects of nitric oxide.
Source: Nutrients
DOI: 10.3390/nu17010049
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,296
OpenAlex ID: W4405827874