Avaliação da atividade do óleo essencial de Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith e seu composto majoritário, Zerumbona, sobre a função renal e vascular em ratos wistar

Abstract

Zingiber zerumbet is a common plant in Northern Brazil, and is usually used for medicinal purposes. The present study aimed to evaluate the biological activity of the essential oil of Z. zerumbet (OEZz) on the metabolism, vascular and renal functions of Wistar rats, as well as its antioxidant/anti-inflammatory potential. For this were performed experiments of vascular reactivity, cell culture and histological analysis were performed by stereology For the in vivo experiments, the rats were treated with OEZz (50-100mg/kg/day) for 21 days. In vitro, OEZz and zerumbone (Zer), its major constituent, demonstrated a concentration-dependent vasodilator effect that were independent of the presence of the endothelium in phenylephrine (10-7M) pre-constricted vessels, Zer being more potent but lower in efficacy than OEZz (p <0.05). Pre-incubation of aortas with OEZz or Zer (103μg/mL) were able to inhibit phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction (p <0.0001). OEZz and Zer showed to reduce the potency and efficacy of calcium influx-mediated vasoconstriction in rings estimulated with phenylephrine (10-7M) or KCl (60mM). OEZz also demonstrated vasodilator potential in vivo, as observed by enlargement of the thoracic aorta, glomerular and peritubular capillaries. No hypertrophic responses were observed. Despite the reduction in glomerular filtration rate, OEZz treatment did not modify the urinary flow, albumin excretion or kidney structure, indicating that it did not promote damage to the glomerular filtration barrier. Additionally, OEZz and Zer demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting NO production in macrophages, and antioxidant properties by inhibiting the production of ROS. Thus, OEZz and Zer could be potential therapeutic tools for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, such as hypertension, which is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and impairment of vascular and renal function. Treatment with OEZz or Zer could promote not only improve vascular smooth muscle function, but also prevent target organ damage, due to its renal action, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential.