Aqueous Extract of Zingiber officinale Roscoe Rhizomes Sold in Ouagadougou Markets: Phytochemical Constituents, Effect on Arterial Pressure and Blood Biochemical Parameters of Wistar Rats

The aim of this study was to exhibit cardiovascular effects of aqueous extract of Zingiber officinale rhizome sold in Ouagadougou markets (Burkina Faso). Phytochemical constituents and some blood biochemical parameters were also investigated. Colorimetric method was used for phytochemical screening. Extract was prepared and orally administered on Wistar rats. Arterial pressure and cardiac rhythm were measured using Ugo Basile Blood Pressure Recorder 58500. Biochemical parameters were performed using Mindray BA-88A, Semi-auto Chemistry Analyzer. Triterpenes and/or sterols, and saponosides were present in aqueous extract of the plant. We also found very significative hypotension effect on rat mean arterial pressure, when plant extract was administered at 400 mg/kg bw (p ˂ 0.01). When extract was administered after a hypertension induced by L-NAME, we observed a high significative antihypertensive effect (p ˂ 0.001) at 200 and 400 mg/kg bw. This effect was comparable to captopril inhibition of L-NAME induced hypertension. However, in all cases, we did not observe any significative variation of heart rate. For biochemical parameters, we did not find any effect, excepted a significant increase of phosphoremia at 400 mg/kg bw and after L-NAME administration (highly significant). Our results confirm literature data and corroborate traditional uses of Z. officinale sold in Ouagadougou markets. They suggest that antihypertensive effect of AEZO is mainly supported by vascular physiology components.