Effect of fractions from Carissa edulis (Forssk.) Vahl (Apocynaceae) leaves on hypertension induced in Wistars rats

High blood pressure is an important health problem because of its prevalence and its several complications. The high cost of its management and the side effects of conventional drugs have led patients to use medicinal plants. Carissa edulis is one of the plants used in the traditional management of hypertension. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of crude extract and fractions of Carissa edulis in L-NAME hypertension rats models. The phytochemical analysis of the extracts was carried out by using the thin layer chromatography method. The pharmacological effect was evaluated in Wistar rats rendered hypertensive by administering the N (ω) -Nitro-L-Arginine-Methyl Ester (L-NAME). The crude extract was administered at 500 mg / kg (b/w) and the fractions at 20 mg / kg (b/w). Blood pressure was measured by a non-invasive method. Four fractions were obtained after fractionation. Many chemical compounds were detected diversely distributed in either in the crude extract or in the fractions. The crude aqueous extract induced a significant decrease in blood pressure from 137, 00 ± 8,01 mmHg to 94,75 ± 2.84 mmHg. In the other hand, only the aqueous fraction exerted the highest effects by reducing the blood pressure from 137,00 ± 8,01 mmHg to 93,5±8,54 mmHg. The results obtained justify the traditional use of the leaves of Carissa edulis in the treatment of high blood pressure