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Planta Med 1993; 59(5): 405-406
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-959719
Paper

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Antihypertensive Principles from the Leaves of Melastoma candidum

Juei-Tang Cheng1 , Feng-Lin Hsu2 , Hsue-Fen Chen2
  • 1Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan 70101, Republic of China
  • 2School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical College, Taipei City, Taiwan 10502, Republic of China
Further Information

Publication History

1992

1992

Publication Date:
04 January 2007 (online)

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Abstract

Three active principles were isolated from the leaf of Melastoma candidum using the screening of hypotensive effects on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Intravenous injection of castalagin, procyanidin B-2, or helichrysoside into SHR lowered the mean blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner, with helichrysoside being the most potent compound. Plasma noradrenaline (NA) levels, both basal in SHR and elevated in normal rats through cold-stress stimulation, were attenuated by these compounds in a way which was not influenced by adrenalectomy. Decrease of NA release from sympathetic nerves was assumed to be responsible. Moreover, the hypertensive effect of various vasoconstrictors in anesthetized rats was reduced by helichrysoside. The same results were also observed in castalagin or procyanidin B-2 treated animals. The results indicate that the three principles possess the ability to lower blood pressure through a decrease of sympathetic tone as well as due to direct vasodilatation in SHRs.

Key words

Melastoma candidum - antihypertension - castalagin - procyanidin B-2 - helichrysoside - spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR)

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