Multipurpose Drug from Rouwolfia serpentina and Nigella sativa: A Herbal Approach to Treat Hypertension and Hyperlipidemia in Experimental Rodent Model

Introduction: Hypertension refers to the condition where the pressure of blood towards the artery walls is constantly too excessive. Estimated 17.9 million lives each year is taken by this. Its key etiological factors consist of genetic predisposition, unhealthy lifestyle choices, including immoderate salt intake, obesity, lack of physical activity, and chronic situations like kidney disease or hormonal imbalances. Focusing on herbal medications for this will be safer, and affordable alternatives of unwanted risk and negative effects of synthetic medications.

Methods and Materials: Six groups of mice were taken. In group 2-5 high fat diet and 3% NaCl was given to induce disease. Group 3,4 and 5 was treated by the ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa, Rouwolfia Serpentina and mixture of Nigella sativa and Rouwolfia Serpentina respectively.

Results and Discussion: It has been observed that in all group hypertension condition was restored significantly (p<0.05). In the treatment groups Rouwolfia Serpentina has displayed best efficiency. The mixture of Rouwolfia Serpentina and Nigella sativa showed 2nd most efficiency. On the other hand, Nigella sativa showed comparatively less but statistically significant (p<0.05) efficacy than others. Nigella sativa significantly (p<0.05) restored disturbed lipid profile (Low density lipoprotein, High density lipoprotein and Triglyceride).

Conclusion: As The mixture of the two plant extracts gives both anti-hypertensive and anti- hyperlipidemic activity, it has high potential to be used in hypertension management specially when it is exacerbated by hyperlipidemia and this demands for further study.