Effect of Aqueous Extract of Defatted Flaxseeds (Linum Usitatissimum Linn) on Fructose-Induced Hypertension in Rats by Inhibiting Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE)

Linum usitatissimum Linn. is a widely acclaimed medicinal plant used in every household. The seeds of L. usitatissimum have both medicinal and nutraceutical properties.The study was conducted to evaluate the anti-hypertensive effect of aqueous extract with Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside (SDG) enriched fraction (SEF) of defatted flaxseeds on fructose-induced hypertension in rats.Hypertension was induced by administration of 10% w/v solution of fructose orally in drinking water. Hypertension developed was confirmed by Systolic blood pressure (SBP) measured after 2 weeks of administration.SEF was given orally once daily at the doses of 50,100 and 200mg/kg. Captopril was given as standard at the dose regimen of 0.05mg/kg once daily for consecutive two weeks. SBP and diastolic blood pressure were measured weekly along with plasma level of glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride after dissection. Fructose feeding for 4 weeks induced hypertension, increased triglyceride level and increased plasma glucose levels in Male Wister rats. The SEF experienced a significant reverse in hypertension by restoring SBP and also significant reduction on high plasma glucose, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels were observed in dose dependent manner and not observed in captopril group. In in-vitro study SEF significantly inhibited Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) when compared to standard. These results suggested that the extract of defatted flaxseed possess hypotensive effects. The antihypertensive activity of SEF is probably mediated through ACE inhibition, interaction with the reninangiotensin system(RAS).