RESUMO
Hypertension is a chronic disease and a global health problem. Due to its high prevalence, it constitutes the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Fruit peels from Passiflora edulis fo. flavicarpa are rich in bioactive natural compounds that may have action in hypertension. This study aimed to perform a fingerprinting analysis of Passiflora edulis fruit peel extract and evaluate its actions on the cardiovascular system in an in vivo model. The extract was obtained from the dried and powdered fruit peels of Passiflora edulis. Glycoside flavonoids were identified in the extract by HPLC-ESI-MSn. The extract showed a significant hypotensive effect after 28 days of treatment and improved vascular function in the mesenteric artery. This effect was verified by decreased vascular hypercontractility and increased vasorelaxant in response to sodium nitroprusside and acetylcholine. There was also a decrease in endothelial dysfunction, which can be attributed to nitric oxide's increased bioavailability. Thus, we hypothesize that all these effects contributed to a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance, leading to a significant hypotensive effect. These results are novel for fruit peels from P. edulis. Also, there was a decrease in plasma and cardiac malondialdehyde levels and an increase in glutathione, suggesting a reduction in oxidative stress, as well as an increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 in the plasma. This study demonstrated that the extract can be a new source of raw material to be applied as food or medicine adjuvant for treating hypertension.
