Citrus limetta leaves extract antagonizes the hypertensive effect of angiotensin II

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Citrus limetta Risso (Rutaceae) is widely used in Mexico for healing purposes, among them as antihypertensive treatment.

Aim of the study

To assess the antihypertensive effect of C. limetta leaves as one of its ethnomedical uses.

Materials and methods

The acute response of blood pressure to angiotensin II administration was measured in mice. Additionally, the acute oral toxicity profiles were determined.

Results

The findings of the current investigation showed that different concentrations of the aqueous extract prevented the raise of systolic blood pressure (p ≤ 0.001 vs. vehicle), diastolic blood pressure (p ≤ 0.0002 vs. vehicle) and mean blood pressure (p ≤ 0.0000 vs. vehicle); with a dose dependent effect for diastolic pressures at 125–500 mg/kg dosages. The 500 and 1000 mg/kg doses inhibited the action of Ang II in similar extent to telmisartan. Toxic signs or deaths were not observed in mice treated at 2000 mg/kg of C. limetta extract.

Conclusions

All doses of C. limetta aqueous extract, used in this assay, were safe and effective.