Antihypertensive Effect of Perla and Esmeralda Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Sprouts in an Induction Model with L-NAME In Vivo

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide. Despite advances in conventional treatments, there remains a significant need for more effective and natural alternatives to control hypertension. In this context, sprouted barley extracts have emerged as a potential therapeutic option. This study presents the evaluation of the bioactive properties of extracts from two varieties of barley germinated for different periods (3, 5, and 7 days), focusing on their potential to regulate blood pressure mechanisms. Objectives/Methods: The main objective was to assess the effects of these extracts on blood pressure regulation in N(ω)-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats. Renal (creatinine, urea, uric acid, and total protein) and endothelial (NOx levels) function, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) I and II activity, and histopathological effects on heart and kidney tissues were evaluated. Results: In particular, Esmeralda barley extract demonstrated 83% inhibition of ACE activity in vitro. Furthermore, the combined administration of sprouted barley extract (SBE) and captopril significantly reduced blood pressure and ACE I and II activity by 22%, 81%, and 76%, respectively, after 3, 5, and 7 days of germination. The treatment also led to reductions in protein, creatinine, uric acid, and urea levels by 3%, 38%, 42%, and 48%, respectively, along with a 66% increase in plasma NO concentrations. Conclusions: This study highlights the bioactive properties of barley extracts with different germination times, emphasizing their potential health benefits as a more effective alternative to conventional antihypertensive therapies.

Keywords: Hordeum vulgare L. sprouts; L-NAME; Perla and Esmeralda barley sprouts; antihypertensive action; in vivo.

Figure 1

Decrease in a ngiotensin-converting e nzyme activity (percent). Bars represent the mean ± SD. The significance levels are represented by the value of p < 0.05 (* p < 0.05 and ** p < 0.0001) compared to the control group (c aptopril). Different letters indicate significant differences between varieties and the same day of germination. ANOVA followed by a Tukey test was performed.

Figure 2

(a) Effects of barley extracts and captopril supplementation on serum ACE I activity. (b) Effects of barley extracts and captopril supplementation on kidney ACE II activity. Each bar represents mean ± SD. Significance levels indicated by p < 0.05 (* p < 0.05 and ** p < 0.0001) when compared with L-NAME group (ANOVA followed by Tukey test).

Figure 3

Histopathological changes in cardiac muscle (H-E stain). (A) Normotensive group, normal cardiac. The arrow indicates the transverse striation of the longitudinal section of the cardiac muscle.; (B) L-NAME group, chronic inflammation; (C) L-NAME + Captopril group, inflammatory cells decreased inflammation; (D) L-NAME + Esmeralda group, inflammatory cells are observed, moderate inflammation; (E) L-NAME + Perla group, reduction in inflammation; (F) L-NAME + Perla + Esmeralda group, without histopathological changes; (G) L-NAME Esmeralda + Captopril group, inflammation relief. The arrows in (B–D), indicate the infiltration of proinflammatory cells.

Figure 4

Histopathological changes in renal glomerulus. The arrows indicate the following changes in the renal glomerulus: (A) Normotensive group, without observable changes; (B) L-NAME group, degeneration and necrosis of renal glomerulus; (C) L-NAME + Captopril group, partial adhesion of glomerulus to Bowman’s capsules; (D) L-NAME + Esmeralda group, slight glomerular necrosis; (E) L-NAME + Perla group, Bowman space dilation; (F) L-NAME + Perla + Esmeralda group, decreased inflammation of renal glomerulus; (G) L-NAME Esmeralda + Captopril group, without observable histological changes.