Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1
Laboratory of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry of Fez, University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco
2
eam of Ethnopharmacology and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, Errachidia, Morocco.
3
Team of Ethnopharmacology and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, Errachidia, Morocco. BP 509, Boutalamine, Errachidia, Morocco
4
Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30003, Morocco
5
Team of Ethnopharmacology and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, Errachidia, Morocco
10.66224/ari.2026.369993.3731
Abstract
Introduction: Teucrium takoumitense is used traditionally for cardiovascular disorders, but its vascular effects and safety profile remain poorly characterized.
Objective: This study evaluated the vasorelaxant activity of Teucrium takoumitense aqueous extract (TTAE) and its subacute toxicity.
Material and Methods: Isolated thoracic aortic rings from Wistar rats were precontracted with epinephrine (EP, 10 μM) or KCl (80 mM). Cumulative concentrations of TTAE (0.5–2 mg/mL) were applied to intact and endothelium-denuded rings to assess vasorelaxation. Mechanistic experiments evaluated the extract’s effect on extracellular Ca2+-induced contractions to probe inhibition of receptor-operated (ROCCs) and voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs). For subacute toxicity, rats received TTAE by gavage daily for 28 days (200 mg/kg) with a control group given vehicle. Body weight, food intake, relative organ weights, hematological parameters (LYM, MCV, MCHC, PLT) and biochemical markers (urea, creatinine, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, AST) were measured.
Results: TTAE induced concentration-dependent relaxation of EP- and KCl-precontracted aortic rings (0.5–2 mg/mL) in both endothelium-intact and -denuded preparations. Mechanistic data indicate vasorelaxation is mediated, at least partly, by inhibition of extracellular Ca2+ entry via ROCCs and VDCCs. Subacute administration (200 mg/kg) significantly increased relative weights of liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs. Hematological changes included increased MCV and MCHC in females, and increased LYM, MCV, MCHC and PLT in males. Female rats showed elevated urea and creatinine and decreased triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and AST compared with controls.
Conclusion: TTAE demonstrates potent vasorelaxant activity via Ca2+ blockade, but 28-day administration at 200 mg/kg indicating potential toxicity and dose-finding needed.
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