Studies of the medicinal properties of total extract and different fractions of Ligaria cuneifolia (R. et P.) Tiegh (Loranthaceae).

Abstract

Ligaria cuneifolia (Lc) (R. et P.) Tiegh. (Loranthaceae), popularly known as “Creole mistletoe”, “league” or “liguilla”, is a hemiparasitic species, found in central and northern Argentina. In traditional medicine it is used to lower both blood pressure and cholesterol. Based on empirical observations, we set the objective of scientifically demonstrating that Ligaria cuneifolia has hypotensive and hypocholesterolemic properties. In adult male Wistar rats fed a normal diet, enriched in cholesterol and hyperlipemic (fed High Fat Diet), we demonstrated that treatment intraperitoneally with a fraction enriched in Proanthocyanidins extracted from Lc (PLc) produces a 40% decrease in cholesterol plasma (Co) due to an increase in the rate of biliary excretion of bile salts, as well as a decrease in triglycerides and LDLCo, without producing changes in blood fluidity. We evaluated the vasoactive effect of PLc in vitro in isolated rat aortic rings was evaluated by determining its isometric tension, presenting an endothelium-dependent vasodilator effect, since its mechanical removal completely cancels relaxation. Treatment with infusion of lyophilized extract of leaves and stems of Lc ingested three times a week for two months by hypercholesterolemic patients of both sexes (age: 50 ± 15 years), allowed to observe decrease in Cho and LDLCho levels, without showing alterations in blood fluidity or liver function. Conclusion: Ligaria cuneifolia is a potential tool in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, as it reduces plasma cholesterol and has a marked hypotensive effect.