Aqueous extract of oakmoss produces antihypertensive activity in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats through sGC-cGMP pathway

Background Lichens are a symbiotic association of a fungus with a green alga or cyanobacterium. They are widely used in traditional medicine as a treatment against skin disorders, diabetes and hypertension. The Aim of the Study The goal of this paper was to assess the possible antihypertensive and vasorelaxant capacity of the aqueous extract of a lichen species called Oakmoss or Evernia prunastri (L.). Material and Methods In the present study, the aqueous extract of Oakmoss was prepared, its antihypertensive activity was examined in N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats, and its vasorelaxant ability was performed in rat isolated thoracic aorta. Results The results proved that Oakmoss reduced the systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure, and heart rate in hypertensive rats but not in normotensive rats. Besides, the data showed that Oakmoss exerts its antihypertensive effect through vasorelaxant ability. Conclusion The present study presents the favorable action of Oakmoss as an antihypertensive agent.