Effect on blood pressure of a dietary supplement containing traditional medicinal plants of Cote d'Ivoire

Ethnopharmacological relevance: A medicinal composition containing salt (sodium chloride) is given as a traditional dietary supplement to hypertensive patients (TDSHP) in Cote d'Ivoire. It consists of whole plant of Bidens pilosa (Asteraceae) and fresh leaves of Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae). Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to establish the scientific basis for the use of this traditional recipe rich in sodium chloride in hypertension settings. Materials and methods: We used a total aqueous extract of this traditional dietary supplement containing medicinal plants (Bidens pilosa, Moringa oleifera) and salt (sodium chloride). Experiment was carried out to evaluate its effect on arterial blood pressure of rabbits. The experimental device used for recording blood pressure in rabbits is based on the principle of Ludwig mercury manometer. Results: TDSHP between 5 x 10(-8) and 5 x 10(-2) mg/kg caused a dose-dependent hypotension. TDSHP elicited drops in blood pressure ranging between 7.14 +/- 4 and 100 +/- 7.5%, compared to normal blood pressure of rabbits. Fifty percent effective dose of TDSHP was 3.95 x 10(-4) mg/kg. Similarly as the hypotension induced by acetylcholine, the one caused by TDSHP at dose of 3.95 x 10(-4) mg/kg in rabbit was progressively inhibited by atropine, dosed between 5 x 10(-4) to 5 x 10(-2) mg/kg. The percentage drop of recorded blood pressure ranged from 50.3 +/- 1.87 to 3.71 +/- 1.09% compared to the normal value of blood pressure. In the presence of atropine, TDSHP effect was partially inhibited. The same increasing doses of TDSHP reduced significantly the increase of blood pressure induced by adrenaline dosed at 4.76 x 10(-4) mg/kg from 89.3 +/- 2.19 to 1.19 +/- 0.59%. Conclusion: The consumption of this traditional dietary supplement is justified in hypertensive patients according to its composition and its ability to reduce blood pressure has been demonstrated experimentally. TDSHP should not be considered as an antihypertensive drug, it remains to us a salt substitute to be taken with moderation with strict adherence to the traditional dose. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.