Isopulegol Ameliorates Hypertension-Associated Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Dysfunction in L-NAME-Induced Hypertensive Rats

Abstract

Background: Hypertension, a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and death, is directly linked to endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Although Isopulegol, a naturally occurring monoterpene, has antioxidant properties, its ability to decrease blood pressure is unknown. Objective: This study assessed Isopulegol's cardioprotective and antihypertensive properties in rat model of hypertension brought on by L-NAME. Methods: hypertension was induced in male Wistar rats by conduct of Nꭃ-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester in their drinking water for four weeks. Isopulegol was supplied once daily for 30 days. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured using a tail-cuff plethysmography system. Cardiac function was measured via the Langendorff isolated perfused heart preparation. Histopathological changes in the heart and aorta, oxidative stress markers, and levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant were assessed. Enalapril (0.5 mg/kg) was employed as the reference drug. Results : L-NAME markedly lowered antioxidant defenses, increased lipid peroxidation, decreased cardiac function, and raised blood pressure. Treatment with Isopulegol enhanced heart function, reduced oxidative stress, raised antioxidant levels, and significantly lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Cardiac and aortic histopathological changes were significantly reduced. Isopulegol has effects similar to those of enalapril. Conclusion: Isopulegol has notable cardioprotective and antihypertensive benefits in rats with L-NAME-induced hypertension, which are probably mediated by endothelial-protective and antioxidant mechanisms.