<i>Anacardium occidentale</i> Linn. (Anacardiaceae) stem bark extract induces hypotensive and cardio-inhibitory effects in experimental animal models

Abstract

Anacardium occidentale Linn. (Anacardiaceae) is a plant largely used in Africa for the treatment of different diseases. In Côte d'Ivoire it's commonly used for the treatment of hypertension. The present study was carried out in order to assess the effects of Anacardium occidentale extract (ANOE) on cardiovascular parameters in animal models. A mercury manometer kymograph of Ludwig was used to measure the blood pressure of normotensive rabbits in control conditions (normal physiological solution) and under the influence of ANOE. The contractile activity of an isolated rat heart was also measured in control conditions and under the influence of ANOE in different physiological media using a modified Langendhorff (1895) apparatus. The aqueous Anacardium occidentale (ANOE) bark extract applied intravenously in different doses (12, 40, 90, and 167 mg/kg b.w.), produced a significant dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure of previously normotensive rabbits (up to 89% vs control). Atropine (1 mg/ml) pre-treatment failed to reverse the hypotensive effects elicited by the extract. ANOE applied to isolated rat heart preparations in different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 10 µg/ml) induced negative inotropic and chronotropic effects. Atropine pre-treatment of heart preparations (0.1 μg/ml) failed to reverse the negative effects induced by ANOE. The extract's action on heart contractile activity studied in modified culture media further confirmed its cardio-inhibitory effects. ANOE induced strong hypotensive and cardio-inhibitory effects in animal models.

Phenolic Compounds Present Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi Influence the Lowering of Blood Pressure in Rats

“…There are no reports in the literature on cardiovascular activity for any species of Schinus spp. However, for other species of the Anacardiaceae family, the following is described: aqueous extract of bark stem of Anacardium occidentale was administered intravenously in rabbits and significantly reduced arterial pressure and the contractile activity of the isolated heart of rat, thus presenting in vivo hypotensive activities and in vitro cardio-inhibitory activity [ 32 ]. Aqueous extract from the Harpephyllum caffrum stem significantly reduced systemic arterial pressures and heart rates in hypertensive rats after intravenous administration of the extract.…”

Hypotensive, vasorelaxant and antihypertensive activities of the hexane extract of Anacardium occidentale Linn

“…A significant number of individuals with cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, make use of alternative therapies, such as medicinal plants, herbal medicines and supplements [7]. Nonetheless, many herbs have not been scientifically validated [8]. Evaluation of the cardiovascular actions of the extract and description of the pathways of action remain a logical research strategy in the search for new antihypertensive drugs.…”

“…It is popularly known as cashew tree [9]. This plant has been widely used in folk medicine in Brazil, India and Africa to treat inflammation, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases and hypertension [8,10,11].…”

“…Antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antigenotoxic, antiulcerogenic, antioxidant, hypoglycemic and larvicidal properties, as well as acetylcholinesterase inhibition of extracts from A. occidentale have been reported [9,[12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. There are three scientific studies on the cardiovascular actions of this plant: the stem bark extract of A. occidentale induced hypotensive and cardioinhibitory effects in rats [8], the extract of A. occidentale leaves produced vasorelaxant action in isolated rat aorta and in the mesenteric vascular bed [19], and one report describes the process for obtaining the antihypertensive principal from the bark of this plant [20].…”

Antimicrobial and Anti-Adherent in vitro Activity of Tannins Isolated from Anacardium occidentale Linn. (Cashew) on Dental Biolfilm Bacteria

“…This medicinal plant has been popularly used for treating urogenital infections, diarrhea, and hypotension as antidiabetic agent, as well as for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as mouth ulcers, tonsillitis, bronchitis, arthritis, toothache, and gingivitis [8,9].…”