Study of the ACE inhibitory effect of medicinal plants used in Iranian Folk-Medicine as antihypertensive remedy

Angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE] is an exopeptidase which converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes vasoconstriction and aldosteron secretion and inactivate bradykinin, so ACE has major role on blood pressure regulation. In this study 135 plants used in Persian traditional medicine have been investigated for their angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitory activity potential. They were selected on the basis of their usage as antihypertensive, cardiotonics and diuretics. The dried powdered plant material, 1 g was extracted with 10 ml water and ethanol [%96] in ultrasonic bath. The extracts were filtered and concentrated in vacuum except for the water extracts, which were freeze-dried. Test solutions were made by dissolving extract in assay buffer, corresponding to a final concentration of 0.33 mg of crude plant extract in 1 ml test volume. Enzyme assay was performed by HPLC method. Plants exhibiting inhibition levels more then 50% were further tested for the presence of tannins in order to eliminate possible false positives. In total, 52 species out of the 135 [39%] screened, gave more than 50% ACE inhibition. 40 species were found to possess a high ACE inhibiting ability and were low in their tannin content

Review on Cynara scolymus L

Articholce [Cynara Scolymus L.] is one of non- native plants being cultivated in Iran. This plant is mostly used in foods, so that it is probably harmless. In this Article we are going to coucentrate on different stages of its cultivation and the clinical uses of it in relation with some clinical studies

[Review of antihyperlipedemic herbal medicine]

Hyperlipedimia especially increased blood cholesterol level is a chronic metabolic disease with several risk factor in etiology. Although several lipid-lowering drugs are prescribed but still hyperlipedimia is a main corn stone of attention in patients suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Presently, the use of herbal medicines for prevention and control of chronic hyperlipidemia is in the focus of attention for both the patients and physicians. The reasons for such shift toward the use of herbal medicine include: the expensive cost of conventional drugs, adverse drug reactions, and good efficacy of lipid lowering herbal medicine. Epidemiological studies indicate that diet restriction, alternative treatment and use of herbal medicine are a low coast and good direction in for controlling hyperlipedimia. Presently the use of herbal medicine by hyperlipedimic patients is considerably increases even in industrialized societies. However its uses is more pronounce among those patients which are resistant to conventional drug therapy. Although herbal therapy may induce beneficial effect, but due to irregular consumption and unspecified doses may render unsatisfactory lipid control and even herbal-conventional drug interaction. In present article the efficacy, drug interaction and side effect of common antihyperlipidemic herbal medicine is reviewed

[ review of psyllium plant]

Genus Plantago belongs to Plantaginaceae family. It has two important medicinal species, P. ovata Forsk. and P. psyllium L., named in common psyllium. In traditional medicine, the husk of this plant used as laxative. Recent studies have shown that the hydrocholoidal fiber of the husk has antidiabetic and antihypercholestrolemia effects. Also it has been shown that it could reduce the prevalence of colon cancer. This plant is safe and has not any serious side effects. In this article we review the uses and benefits of this plant, which grows in many parts of Iran

[Study of angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitory effects of main Papaver spp. alkaloids]

Angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE] converts the inactive angiotensin I to [a potent vasoconstrictor and aldosterone releaser] angiotensin II. Inhibitors of ACE are valuable drugs in the treatment of hypertension, and heart failure. These inhibitors have a natural origin and non-peptide drugs were synthesized from the natural lead compounds. However, because of some side effects such as dry cough, many investigators are searching in natural products to find better and more selective lead compounds. There are reports on the interaction between rennin-angiotensin system and endogenous opioid system. Morphine and endogenous opioids have reported to inhibit ACE. In this research we examined the possible inhibitory effects of purified papaver's main alkaloids on the activity of purified rabbit lung ACE. We found that only papaverin at 1 mM inhibited the enzyme by 40%. The Km value of ACE increased while Vmax decreased in papaverin treated samples. We conclude that part of hypotensive effects of papaverin may be related to ACE inhibition, and this compound will be a suitable lead compound for further investigation

[Study of Psyllium [Plantago ovata L.] effects on diabetes and lipidemia in the Iranian type II diabetic patients]

Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative and is high in both fiber and mucilage. The beneficial effect of dietary fiber in the management of type II diabetes has not been totally demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to determine the plasma- lowering effects of 5 g b.i.d. of psyllium husk fiber, as an adjunct to dietary therapy, on lipid and glucose levels, in Iranian patients with type II diabetes. Patients were randomly selected from an outpatient clinic of primary care to participate in a double-blind placebo-controlled study in which Plantago Psyllium or placebo was given in combination with a low fat diet. Forty-nine subjects were included in the study that were given diet counseling before and then followed an 8-week treatment period. Fasting plasma glucose was measured every 2 weeks, and total plasma cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, and insulin levels were measured every 4 weeks. Glycosylatd hemoglobin was also measured at the beginning and end of the treatment period. The test products [psyllium or placebo] were supplied to subjects in identically labeled foil packets containing a 5-g dose of product, to consume two doses per day [of 5 g each one], half an hour before breakfast and dinner. Both products were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events related to treatment reported in either. Some of the psyllium patients reported that their gastric tolerance to metformin became better. Fasting plasma glucose, and Glycosylated hemoglobin, showed a significant reduction [p < 0.05], whereas HDL cholesterol increased significantly [p < 0.05] following Psyllium treatment. Our results show that 5 g b.i.d. of Psyllium for persons with diabetes is safe, is well tolerated, and improves glycemic and lipid control in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia