Flaxseeds (L. Usitatissimum) attenuates blood pressure, acetylcholinesterase activity and oxidative stress in ouabain-induced hypertension in normal Wistar rats

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of flaxseed (L. usitatissimum [Linn]) on blood pressure, redox status markers and acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity in ouabain-induced hypertension in normal Wistar rats. Design/methodology/approach Male Wistar rats weighing 250 ± 7 g (n = 24) fed with an experimental diet containing 20 per cent casein were divided into three groups (n = 8) and received a daily subcutaneous injection of either 0.9 per cent saline solution (T group) or 10 µg/kg/day of ouabain diluted in saline solution-treated Oub-Lu or not with 1 per cent of flaxseed (L. usitatissimum) mixed in the diet for 21 days. Findings The results showed that treatment with flaxseed had a significant effect (p < 0.05) in decreasing systolic, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and the heart rate in hypertensive rats. Total and non-HDL cholesterol levels were reduced by –26 and –35 per cent; p = 0.04, respectively. Concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were significantly decreased by –85 and –42 per cent (p = 0.001 and p = 0.04), respectively in the plasma and heart. Nitric oxide levels were increased in the aorta (+ 63 per cent; p = 0.001). Moreover, in the heart and aorta, a significant increase was noted in the thiol contents (+81 and +69 per cent; p = 0.001, respectively), glutathione peroxidase (+50 per cent; p = 0.03 and p = 0.01, respectively) and acetylcholinesterase activities (75 and +19 per cent, respectively; p = 0.001 and p = 0.04). Originality/value These results suggest hypotensive, cardiomoderating and antioxidant effects of flaxseed in ouabain-induced hypertension in the rat. In addition, it promotes a significant increase of the acetylcholinesterase activity in tissues.

Artemisia restores systolic blood pressure, attenuates serum sodium/potassium levels and prevents cardiac oxidative stress in hypertension

“…Also, Zeggwagh et al (2014) found that herba-alba at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg produced a dose dependent decline in arterial blood pressure where an obvious decline in heart regularity occurred after Artemisia herba alba injection at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg. Moreover, Berzou et al (2019) proved that the treatment with flaxseed (common flax or linseed) had a significant effect in decreasing systolic, DBP, mean arterial pressure and the heart rate in hypertensive rats. Furthermore, Harrat et al (2019) stated that prickly pear treatment decreased arterial diastolic and systolic pressures, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and lipid hydroperoxide contents in liver, adipose tissue, muscle and kidney.…”