s Aqueous Extract of Matricaria pubescens Exhibits Antihypertensive Activity in L-NAME-induced Hypertensive Rats through its Vasorelaxant Effect

Background: Matricaria pubescens is a medicinal plant from North Africa. This plant is widely used in alternative medicine as a remedy against rheumatism, inflammation, diabetes and hypertension. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible antihypertensive and vasodilator activity of the aqueous extract of Matricaria pubescens (M. pubescens). Material and Methods: In the current study, the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of M. pubescens (AEMP) was prepared and its antihypertensive activity was examined in N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats. Results: The results indicated that AEMP reduced the systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure in hypertensive rats but not in normotensive rats. The data revealed that AEMP exhibits its antihypertensive effect through vasorelaxant activity. More interestingly, this study approved that the vasorelaxant capacity of AEMP seems to be mediated through vascular cyclooxygenase pathway, the opening of K+ channels and sGC-cGMP induction pathway. Conclusion: The study illustrates the beneficial action of M. pubescens as an antihypertensive agent.