Assessment of the medical benefit in the folkloric use of Bryophyllum Pinnatum leaf among the Igbos of Nigeria for the treatment of hypertension

Abstract

The effects of aqueous leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum on the blood pressure of anaesthetized cats, as well as on the liver and kidney status of the rabbit were investigated in this study. The results revealed that, the extract produced a small fall in the blood pressure of the anaesthetized cat and also reduced the effect of adrenaline-induced elevation of blood pressure. In rabbits, biochemical analysis of serum was carried out; urea and creatinine were used as tests of its effect on the renal function while alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) served as enzyme indices of the liver function. In addition, the tissues of the liver and kidney were microscopically examined. The treated rabbits showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in their serum creatinine accompanied by significant increase in their serum urea (P < 0.05). No significant changes of these biochemical parameters were seen in the serum of control animals. While a significant increase (P < 0.05) was observed in the activity of the ALP of the treated animals, a non-significant increase (P > 0.05) was recorded in the AST and ALT aminotransferases of both the treated and control animals. The increase recorded in the treated group was much higher (8.64 and 13.63%) as compared to the control group (0.69 and 7.05%). The histopathological examination of the kidney and liver of treated animals showed shrunken glomeruli with increased urinary space, mild necrosis of the tubules and hyaline droplets, while the liver tissue revealed necrosis of the liver cells, lymphocytic infiltration and pericuffing of the bile duct. The control animals, however, showed normal histological structure. In addition after 4 weeks of treatment, body weight in the control group was significantly higher than those in the treated group. It was concluded that the pharmacological basis for the use of B. pinnatum among the Igbos of Nigeria to lower blood pressure was established by this study. However, the facts that the reduction in blood pressure produced is slight and the B. pinnatum leaf extract is potentially organotoxic negate its use as a blood pressure lowering agent.

Literature review on pharmacological potentials of Kalanchoe pinnata (Crassulaceae)

“…It was concluded that the pharmacological basis for the use of K. pinnata among the Igbos of Nigeria to lower blood pressure was established by this study. However, the facts that the reduction in blood pressure produced is slight and the K. pinnata leaf extract is potentially organotoxic which negates its use as a blood pressure lowering agent (Ghasi et al, 2011).…”

Two New Flavonol Glycosides and a Metabolite Profile of Bryophyllum pinnatum, a Phytotherapeutic Used in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

“…It is commonly known as Life plant, Air plant, Love plant, and Goethe plant. B. pinnatum has been widely used in traditional medicine, especially in Madagascar, Indonesia, India, Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago where the leaves have been utilized to treat jaundice [1], skin diseases, urinary problems, hypertension, and for its cooling properties in topical use [2][3][4].…”

The and ldquo;Wonder Plant and rdquo; Kalanchoe pinnata (Linn.) Pers.: A Review

“…Cardiodepression and vasodilation may be associated with the antihypertensive effect of the plant, says Ojewole (2002). Ghasi et al, (2011) observed that the fall in adrenaline-induced increase in blood pressure of cats was due to the administration of aqueous extract of the plant. The blood pressure decreased with increasing dose of the extract.…”