Abstract:
Cuphea ignea A. DC. is an ornamental tropical plant
belonging to the family Lythraceae. The aim of this study is to verify the
in vivo antihypertensive potential of C. ignea A. DC. and to explore its
metabolic profile using a UHPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS technique. The results
revealed that the ethanolic extract of the leaves in two doses (250 and 500
mg/kg b.wt.) significantly normalized the elevated systolic blood pressure
in N(G)-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester-induced hypertension in rats. An
angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) concentration was significantly
decreased by the high dose extract compared to lisinopril. Nitric oxide
(NO) level was significantly restored by both doses. Concerning the
oxidative stress parameters, both doses displayed significant reduction in
malondialdehyde (MDA) level while the high dose restored elevated
glutathione level. These biochemical results were clearly supported by the
histopathological examination of the isolated heart and aorta. A UHPLC-
Orbitrap-HRMS study was represented by a detailed metabolic profile of leaves and flowers of C. ignea A. DC., where 53 compounds
were identified among which flavonoids, fatty acids, and hydrolysable tannins were the major identified classes. This study
established scientific evidence for the use of C. ignea A. DC., a member of genus Cuphea as a complementary treatment in the
management of hypertension.
