Antioxidant and Vasodilator Activity of Ugni molinae Turcz. (Murtilla) and Its Modulatory Mechanism in Hypotensive Response

Author(s)

Jofre, Ignacio ; Pezoa, Cesar ; Cuevas, Magdalena ; Scheuermann, Erick ; Freires, Irlan Almeida ; Rosalen, Pedro Luiz ; de Alencar, Severino Matias ; Romero, Fernando

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY; v. 2016, p. 11-pg., 2016-01-01.

Abstract

Hypertension is a systemic condition with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide, which poses an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we demonstrated the antioxidant and vasodilator activity of Ugni molinae Turcz. (Murtilla) fruit, a berry native to Chile and proposed models to explain its modulatory mechanism in hypotensive response. Murtilla fruits were cultivated in a germplasm bank and submitted to chemical and biological analyses. The phenolic compounds gallic acid, Catechin, Quercetin-3-beta-D-glucoside, Myricetin, Quercetin, and Kaempferol were identified. Murtilla extract did not generate toxic effects on human endothelial cells and had significant antioxidant activity against ROS production, lipid peroxidation, and superoxide anion production. Furthermore, it showed dose-dependent vasodilator activity in aortic rings in the presence of endothelium, whose hypotensive mechanism is partially mediated by nitric oxide synthase/guanylate cyclase and large-conductance calcium-dependent potassium channels. Murtilla fruits might potentially have beneficial effects on the management of cardiovascular diseases. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/50235-7 - SMARTHEALTH: chemical composition and bioactive potential of native fruits and edible fungi
• Grantee: Severino Matias de Alencar
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants