Roselle attenuates cardiac hypertrophy after myocardial infarction in vivo and in vitro

Hibiscus attenuates renovascular hypertension-induced aortic remodeling dose dependently: the oxidative stress role and Ang II/cyclophilin A/ERK1/2 signaling

Introduction: The high levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) can modify the vascular tone, enhance vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation and hypertrophy and increase the inflammatory cellular infiltration into the vessel wall. The old herbal nonpharmacological agent, Hibiscus (HS) sabdariffa L has multiple cardioprotective impacts; thus, we investigated the role of HS extract in amelioration of renovascular hypertension (RVH)-induced aortic remodeling. Materials and methods: Thirty-five rats (7/group) were randomly allocated into 5 groups; group: I: Control-sham group, and RVH groups; II, III, IV, and V. The rats in RVH groups were subjected to the modified Goldblatt two-kidneys, one clip (2K1C) for induction of hypertension. In group: II, the rats were left untreated whereas in group III, IV, and V: RVH-rats were treated for 6 weeks with low dose hibiscus (LDH), medium dose hibiscus (MDH), and high dose hibiscus (HDH) respectively. Results: We found that the augmented pro-contractile response of the aortic rings was ameliorated secondary to the in-vivo treatment with HS dose dependently. The cyclophilin A (CyPA) protein levels positively correlated with the vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and ERK1/2, which, in turn, contribute to the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Daily HS intake modified aortic renovation by enhancing the antioxidant capacity, restraining hypertrophy and fibrosis, downregulation of the metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript (MALAT1), and cyclophilin A (CyPA)/ERK1/2 levels. Discussion: Adding to the multiple beneficial effects, HS aqueous extract was able to inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation induced by 2K1C model. Thus, adding more privilege for the utilization of the traditional herbal extracts to attenuate RVH-induced aortopathy.

Protective Effects of Caesalpinia sappan Linn. and Its Bioactive Compounds on Cardiovascular Organs

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. The long-term aim of cardiovascular disease therapy is to reduce the mortality rate and decelerate the progression of cardiovascular organ damage. Current therapies focus on recovering heart function and reducing risk factors such as hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. However, oxidative stress and inflammation are important causes of further damage to cardiovascular organs. Caesalpinia sappan Linn. (Fabaceae), a flowering tree native to tropical Asia, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used as a natural dye to color food and beverages and as a traditional treatment for diarrhea, diabetes, and blood stasis. The phytochemical compounds in C. sappan, mainly the homoisoflavonoids brazilin, sappanone A, protosappanin, and hematoxylin, can potentially be used to protect cardiovascular organs. This review aims to provide updates on recent developments in research on C. sappan in relation to treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Many studies have reported protective effects of the plant’s bioactive compounds that reduce cardiac damage and enhance vasorelaxation. For example, brazilin and sappanone A have an impact on molecular and cellular changes in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis, mainly by modulating oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic signaling pathways. Therefore, bioactive compounds of C. sappan have the potential to be developed as therapeutic agents to combat cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction and vascular disease. This review could help further the understanding of the possible modulatory role of the compounds in cardiovascular diseases, thereby facilitating future studies.