Evaluation of the Effects of a Pinus Brutia Bark Extract on Biochemical Parameters and Blood Pressure in an Experimental Arterial Hypertension
The new hypertension therapies which are thought to improve the mechanisms impairing the target organs in arterial hypertension (AHT) would have great practical value. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of Pinus brutia bark extract (EPb) on serum lipid profiles and oxidative stress in N(G)-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertension. The experiment demonstrated that PbE improved lipid profile and reduced pro-oxidative effects of L-NAME, thus suggesting a possible role of the extract in the management of AHT. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decrease was significant in the group undergoing simultaneous EPb extract and L-NAME therapy, as compared to the group that was administered only L-NAME. Due to its effects, the Pinus brutia bark extract may be used for the prophylaxis and as adjuvant therapy of cardiovascular conditions.