Prospecção químico-farmacológica do extrato das folhas de Fridericia platyphylla sobre o sistema cardiovascular de roedores

Abstract

Diseases that affect the cardiovascular system are the main causes of death worldwide, including systemic arterial hypertension. Currently, the main therapies for the treatment of these disorders is pharmacological. However, the search for new alternatives as main methods or as adjuvants is extremely important. Research into medicinal plants with the potential for developing drugs to treat these pathologies is increasingly advancing. Several plants are potential candidates for these new discoveries, including Fridericia

platyphylla, belonging to the Bignoninaceae family. Popularly known as “cervejinha-do- campo”, this vegetable is attributed with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic

activities. The present study investigated the chemical components and pharmacological effects, including acute toxicity and its vasorexant effect on isolated rat aortas. A systematic review was carried out on the biological effects of extracts and compounds isolated from F. platyphylla and understanding their pharmacological mechanisms. At the same time, the leaves of Fridericia platyphylla were collected, dried, crushed and taken to a hydroethanolic extraction process, in order to obtain the extract for studies. It was then subjected to chromatographic processes, with the intention of identifying and characterizing its chemical components. The acute toxicity of EHFP was tested in adult female Rattus norvegicus rats, following international guidelines protocols. After administration of the extract, the animals were monitored for 6 consecutive hours. Behavioral assessments were carried out daily, in addition to the analysis of hematological and biochemical parameters. The chromatography results identified the presence of ten secondary metabolites, all from the flavonoid class. In the cell viability test, the extract was shown to be safe if used in ideal concentrations. In acute toxicity, there was no death of any animal, suggesting that the LD50 of EHFP is greater than 2000 mg/kg. No neurobehavioral, hematological, body weight, water intake, fecal excretion changes, nor changes in body temperature, oxygen saturation and blood pressure were observed. In the biochemical evaluation, the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of animals treated with EHFP was altered. There was no significant difference in the relative weight of the organs between the groups. Therefore, flavonoids are the majority in the leaves of the plant, which has been shown to be non-toxic in high doses, making it safe. The vasorelaxant effect of EHFP was concentration-dependent and independent of presence or absence of endothelium. Furthermore, vasorelaxation did not occur through potassium channels. In conclusion, EHFP is a flavonoid-rich extract and has good tolerance for use in in vivo study models. Therefore, the vasorelaxant effect presented in the tests highlights the extract from Fridericia platyphylla leaves as a potential candidate for the treatment of heart disease.