Vasodilation and Blood Pressure-Lowering Effect of 3-Demethyl-2-Geranyl-4-Prenylbellidifoline, a Xanthone Obtained from , in Hypertensive Rats.

3-demethyl-2-geranyl-4-prenylbellidifoline (DGP), a natural xanthone isolated from , has previously demonstrated remarkable diuretic and renal protective actions. The present study expands its actions on the cardiovascular system by evaluating its vasorelaxant and blood pressure-lowering effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Aortic endothelium-intact (E+) preparations of SHRs pre-contracted by phenylephrine and exposed to cumulative concentrations of extract, fractions, and DGP exhibited a significant relaxation compared to vehicle-only exposed rings. The non-selective muscarinic receptor antagonist (atropine), the non-selective inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (L-NAME), as well as the inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase (ODQ) altogether avoided DGP-induced relaxation. Tetraethylammonium (small conductance Ca-activated K channel blocker), 4-aminopyridine (a voltage-dependent K channel blocker), and barium chloride (an influx-rectifying K channel blocker) significantly reduced DGP capacity to induce relaxation without the interference of glibenclamide (an ATP-sensitive inward rectifier 6.1 and 6.2 K channel blocker). Additionally, administration of DGP, 1 mg/kg i.v., decreased the mean, systolic, and diastolic arterial pressures, and the heart rate of SHRs. The natural xanthone DGP showed promising potential as an endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant, operating through the nitric oxide pathway and potassium channels, ultimately significantly reducing blood pressure in hypertensive rats.