Citrus limetta leaves extract antagonizes the hypertensive effect of angiotensin II

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCitrus limetta Risso (Rutaceae) is widely used in Mexico for healing purposes, among them as antihypertensive treatment.Aim of the studyTo assess the antihypertensive effect of C. limetta leaves as one of its ethnomedical uses.Materials and methodsThe acute response of blood pressure to angiotensin II administration was measured in mice. Additionally, the acute oral toxicity profiles were determined.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionsAll doses of C. limetta aqueous extract, used in this assay, were safe and effective.

Graphical abstractCitrus limetta Risso is used as antihypertensive treatment. In this evaluation, different concentrations of the C. limetta leaves aqueous extract prevented the hypertensive effect of Ang II.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide