The Effects of Aqueous Extract from Nardostachys chinensis Batalin on Blood Pressure and Cardiac Hypertrophy in Two-Kidney One-Clip Hypertensive Rats

Aims The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the aqueous extract of Nardostachys chinensis Batalin (NCBAE) on blood pressure and cardiac hypertrophy using two-kidney one-clip (2K1C) hypertensive rats. Methods 2K1C rat models were set up by clipping the left renal artery. Sham-operated rats underwent the same surgical procedure except for renal arterial clipping. 2K1C hypertensive rats were orally given NCBAE at doses of 210, 420, and 630 mg·kg-1·d-1 for 6 weeks. Twelve weeks after surgery, rat SBP and echocardiographic parameters were measured, cardiac histopathology was assessed, serum NO and LDH were detected, and the expression of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 of left ventricular tissue was assessed by western blot. Results Treatment with NCBAE resulted in a decrease of SBP, LVPWd, LVPWs, IVSd, IVSs, LVW/BW ratio, and cardiomyocyte CSA, an increase of LVEF, and inhibition of 2K1C-induced reduction in serum NO and elevation of LDH compared with 2K1C group. NCBAE intervention also showed a significant increase of Bcl-2 expression and reduction of cleaved caspase-3 level dose-dependently in left ventricular tissue. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that NCBAE has an antihypertensive property and protective effect on 2K1C-induced cardiac hypertrophy especially at the dose of 630 mg·kg-1·d-1.