Punica granatum attenuates Angiotensin-II induced hypertension in Wistar rats

Acute subcutaneous administration of angiotensin-II (Ang II-150μg/kg) causes a rise in blood pressure in normal Wistar rats. Administration of Punica granatum juice extract (PJ100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg; p.o.) for 4 weeks in angiotensin-II treated rats significantly (P<0.05) reduced the mean arterial blood pressure and vascular reactivity changes to various catecholamines. PJ treatment significantly (P<0.05) decreased the serum levels of ACE and the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS); while enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSH) in kidney tissue showed a significant elevation in PJ treated Ang II induced hypertensive rats. The cumulative concentration response curve (CCRC) of angiotensin-II was shifted towards right in rats treated with PJ using isolated strip of ascending colon. The results suggest that Punica granatum juice extract could prevent the development of high blood pressure induced by angiotensin-II probably by combating the oxidative stress and antagonizing the physiological actions of Ang II.