Presence of antioxidants and nitric-oxide precursors in Mimosa pudica extract

Blood pressure lowering effect of Mimosa pudica induced by dieresis was reported earlier. As a diuretic it enhances urine outflow, decreases plasma volume, venous return; and thereby, reduce blood pressure. Besides the diuretic agent, some other blood pressure lowering substance may also be present in Mimosa pudica. Present study was undertaken to reveal the presence of antioxidants and nitrite in Mimosa pudica extract, which may help to reduce blood pressure. Methanolic extract of Mimosa pudica (using 80% methanol) was lyophilised to obtain dried Mimosa pudica Extract (MPE). For Total phenolic content estimation Folin’s method and for estimation of flavonoids, Aluminium chloride method were followed. The radical scavenging and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity were measured following standardised methods. Nitrite content of MPE at different dilutions (10-100 µl in methanol) was measured following standardised procedure keeping sodium nitrite as the standard. Present study noted presence of favonoids and phenolic compounds and also noted antioxidant property in the aforesaid extract that exhibited DPPH+ and superoxide scavenging activities. Besides that, this study also revealed formation of nitrites in the extract of Mimosa pudica in a dose dependent manner. Nitrite is the precursor of nitric oxide (NO). NO is a potent vasodilator that decreases blood pressure. Present study indicated the presence of both antioxidants and nitrites in Mimosa pudica extract; both of which have blood pressure lowering properties indicating it as a blood pressure lowering agent; and helpful in the maintenance of vascular health.