Hypotensive activity of auraptene, a monoterpene coumarin from<i>Citrus</i>spp.

CONTEXT: Citrus spp. (Rutaceae) are well-documented for their cardioprotective properties. Auraptene is a bioactive monoterpene coumarin ether abundantly present in the Citrus spp. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the hypotensive activity of auraptene. METHODS: Different groups of normotensive rats (n = 5 in each group) were subjected to single intravenous injections of auraptene (125, 250 and 500 µg/kg), nifedipine (as positive control; 63, 125 and 250 µg/kg) or negative control [DMSO/normal saline (1:3)]. Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and heart rate (HR) were evaluated following each treatment. RESULTS: A dose-dependent hypotensive effect was observed following auraptene injection, which was significant at 250 and 500 µg/kg (p < 0.001) but not 125 µg/kg (p > 0.05). With respect to the positive control, nifedipine reduced MABP at all tested doses, dose-dependently and significantly (p < 0.001). The MABP lowering effect of auraptene was found to be significantly lower than that of nifedipine (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In light of the present findings, auraptene has moderate hypotensive activity. Further investigations are recommended to explore the effects of higher doses as well as oral administration of this phytochemical.

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