Abstract

HYPOTENSIVE EFFECTS OF A BUTANOL ACTIVE FRACTION FROM LEAVES OF BLIGHIA UNIJUGATA BAK. (SAPINDACEAE) ON ARTERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE OF RABBIT

*N’dia Kouadio Frédéric, Kouakou Kouakou Léandre, Bléyéré Nahounou Mathieu*, Yapo Angoué Paul, Ehilé Ehouan Etienne

ABSTRACT

Blighia unijugata is a plant used in traditional to treat many pains and diseases such as fever, headaches, kidney pain and stiffness, dizziness and high blood pressure. No or few studies were achieved on its effects on cardiovascular system. So, the present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of a butanol fraction from the leaves of Blighia unijugata (BFBu) on the arterial blood pressure of rabbit and to determine its mechanism of action. The recording of the arterial blood pressure was achieved by a mercury manometer kymograph of Ludwig. BFBu induced dose dependent hypotension for doses ranging from 0.5 to 50 mg/kg b.w. This hypotension was reduced by increasing doses of atropine (5x10-8-5x10-2 mg/kg b.w.) and propranolol (5x10-7-5x10-2 mg/kg b.w.). BFBu lowered the transient hypertension caused by adrenaline at 5x10-3 mg/kg b.w. These findings suggested the presence of cholinomimetic and β-adrenoceptors agonist-like substances in the extract and the possible interaction of compounds on the sympathetic system. These effects could justify the use of this plant in traditional medicine to treat hypertension.

Keywords: Blighia unijugata, arterial blood pressure, cholinomimetic, ?-adrenoceptors agonist-like substances.