Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Nardostachys jatamansi , Prangos ferulacea and Marrubium vulgare

Background: Hypertension is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Lifestyle changes, physical exercise and intake of healthy diet are some common issues associated with reducing the risk of hypertension. There are several classes of pharmacological agents used in the treatment of hypertension. Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) cleaves angiotensin I to angiotensin II and inactivates bradykinin. The synthetic ACE inhibitors are used widely to treat cardiovascular disorders. They may cause many adverse effects, including dry cough, allergic reactions and skin rashes, so investigation for new natural sources could be helpful. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitory activities of hydroalcoholic extracts of Nardostachys jatamansi, Prangos ferulacea and Marrubium vulgare. Materials and Methods: ACE inhibitory activity was measured according to the methods of Cushman & Cheung with some modifications. Captopril was used as positive control. Results: The ACE inhibitory activities of hydroalcoholic extracts were as follows; M. vulgare > N. Jatamansi > P. ferulacea. The least IC 50 value was related to the hydroalcoholic extract of M. vulgare (0.791 mg/mL). The IC 50 values of N. Jatamansi and P. ferulacea were 2.147 and 4.057 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: The results supported the traditional antihypertensive use of these plants, especially M. vulgare, by inhibitory effects on ACE enzyme.