RELATED THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention in general relates to composition comprising plant extracts. More specifically the present invention pertains to compositions for inhibiting prostaglandin transporter (PGT) and related therapeutic applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[Para 001] Prostaglandins (PCs) are naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acids which are implicated in mediating a variety of pathophysiological processes and homeostatic functions in different organs. They are derived from arachidonic acid by the action of cyclooxygenase isoenzymes. Principally, there are 4 bioactive PCs ubiquitously produced: prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostacyclin (PGI2), prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), and prostaglandin F2ct (PGF2a), acting as autocrine and paracrine mediators to maintain homeoastatic functions in the body (Ricciotti et al., Prostaglandins and Inflammation, Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. 2011;31:986-1000). PGs play a main role in regulating many disease conditions in the body including inflammation. The biological roles of PGs are well described in the scientific literature some of which are mentioned herein below:

1. Ricciotti et al., Prostaglandins and Inflammation, Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 2011 ; 31 :986-l 000.

2. Harris et al.. Prostaglandins as modulators of immunity, Trends in Immunology, 2002; 23(3): 144- 150.

3. Wand and DuBois, Prostaglandins and Cancer, Recent advances in basic science, http://dx.doi.Org/l 0.1136/gut.2004,047100.

4. Anderson et al., Prostaglandins: Effects on blood pressure, renal blood flow, sodium and water excretion, Kidney International, 1976;10(3):205-215.

5. Klien et al., Prostaglandins: Stimulation of Bone Resorption in Tissue Culture, Endocrinology, 1970; 86(6): 1436-1440. [Para 002] Apart from its role in inflammation, PGs also play a role in ovulation, mucus secretion in GI tract vasodilatation and angiogenesis. The PGs elicit their function by triggering cascade signals upon binding to its transporter in the cell membrane. Solute carrier organic anion transporter family, member 2A1 is also known as the prostaglandin transporter (PGT) is a member of the 12-membrane- spanning organic anion-transporting polypeptide super family of transporters. The encoded protein is involved in mediating the uptake and clearance of prostaglandins in numerous tissues and organs which include Brain, Colon, Heart, Kidney, Liver, Lung, Ovary, Pancreas, Placenta, Prostate, Skeletal muscle. Small intestine, Spleen and Vascular endothelium. PGT is now increasingly becoming a target for the development of drugs to curtail the harmful effects brought about by the uptake of PGs into the cells and related clinical conditions. Chi et al., in their publication titled Development of a High-Affinity Inhibitor of the Prostaglandin Transporter, J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2011;339(2): 633-641, discloses a novel molecule N-(2-(2-(2-azidoethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl)-4-((4-((2-(2-(2- benzamidoethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl)amino)-6-((4-hydroxyphenyI)amin o) 1,3,5 -triazin-2- yl)amino)benzamide (T26A) for PGT inhibition. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

(NSAIDs) are also known to inhibit the generation and effect of the PGs. However, these synthetic drags have increased side effects and there exists a need for a safe and natural alternative to mitigate the effects of PGs by inhibiting PGT. Active molecules derived from plants are now being used extensively for treating many diseases and disorders. However, a plant based composition for inhibiting or blocking PGT is not reported. The present invention solves the above problem by disclosing a natural plant based composition for the inhibition of PGT and to bring about related therapeutic effects.

[Para 003] It is the principle object of the invention to disclose a composition comprising effective doses of Allium sativum extract, Beta vulgaris extract, Nigelia sativa extract and Terminatia arjuna extract for use a PGT inhibitor.

[Para 004] It is another object of the invention to disclose a method for the therapeutic management of hypertension using a composition comprising Allium sativum extract, Beta vulgaris extract, Nigelia sativa extract and Terminalia arjuna extract. [Para 005] It is another object of the invention to disclose a method for conferring cardio protection in mammals using a composition comprising Allium sativum extract, Beta vulgaris extract, Nigella sativa extract and Terminalia arjuna extract.

[Para 006] The present invention solves the above objectives and provides further related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[Para 007] The present invention provides a natural plant based composition for use as a prostaglandin transporter inhibitor.

[Para 008] More specifically, the invention discloses a composition comprising effective doses of Allium sativum extract standardized to contain not less than 0.3% w/w S-allylcysteine, Beta vulgaris extract standardized to contain not less than 2% w/w nitrates, Nigella sativa extract standardized to contain 0.1% - 5% w/w thymoquinone, about 0.01% - 10% w/w thymohydroquinone, about 20% - 95% w/w fatty acids, about 0.001%-3% w/w a-hederin or hederagenin, and Terminalia arjuna extract standardized to contain 3% w/w arjunoglucosides for use a PGT inhibitor

[Para 009] The invention also discloses a method for the therapeutic management of hypertension in mammals using a composition comprising Allium sativum extract standardized to contain not less than 0.3% w/w S-allylcysteine, Beta vulgaris extract standardized to contain not less than 2% w/w nitrates, Nigella sativa extract standardized to contain 0.1% - 5% w/w thymoquinone, about 0.01% - 10% w/w thymohydroquinone, about 20% - 95% w/w fatty acids, about 0.001%-3% w/w a-hederin or hederagenin, and Terminalia arjuna extract standardized to contain 3% w/w arjunoglucosides.

[Para 0010] In another aspect, the invention discloses a method for conferring cardio protection in mammals using a composition comprising Allium sativum extract standardized to contain not less than 0.3% w/w S-allylcysteine, Beta vulgaris extract standardized to contain not less than 2% w/w nitrates, Nigella sativa extract standardized to contain 0.1% - 5% w/w thymoquinone, about 0.01% - 10% w/w thymohydroquinone, about 20% - 95% w/w fatty acids, about 0.001%-3% w/w a-hederin or hederagenin, and Terminalia arjuna extract standardized to contain 3% w/w arjunoglucosides. [Para 0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying images, which illustrate, by way of example, the principle of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[Para 0012] Fig. 1 is a graphical representation showing the effect of formulation on PGE2 metabolism in MDCK cells, the expression of extracellular PGE2 was analysed in the culture media

[Para 0013] Fig, 2 is a graphical representation showing the effect of formulation on PGE2 metabolism in MDCK cells, the expression of intra cellular PGE2 was analysed in the cell lysate

[Para 0014] Fig, 3 is a graphical representation showing the expression of plasma PGT in rats treated with different concentrations of the formulation

[Para 0015] Fig. 4 is a graphical representation showing the expression of nitric oxide levels in rats treated with different concentrations of the formulation

[Para 0016] Fig. 5A is a graphical representation showing the systolic BP in rats treated with different concentrations of the formulation

[Para 0017] Fig. SB is a graphical representation showing the diastolic BP in rats treated with different concentrations of the formulation

[Para 0018] Fig. 6 is a graphical representation showing the heart rate in rats treated witii different concentrations of the formulation

[Para 0019] Fig. 7 is a graphical representation showing the mean arterial pressure in rats treated with different concentrations of the formulation

[Para 0020] Fig. 8 is a graphical representation showing the AST levels in rats treated witii different concentrations of the formulation

[Para 0021] Fig. 9 is a graphical representation showing the LDH and CK-MB levels in rats treated with different concentrations of the formulation DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[Para 0022] Tlie invention is described in detail with each preferred embodiment for better understanding and to enable a person moderately skilled in the art to manifest or practice the invention.

[Para 0023] In a preferred embodiment, the invention discloses a plant based composition comprising of Allium sativum extract, Beta vulgaris extract Nigella sativa extract and Terminalia arjuna extract hi a related aspect, the Allium sativum extract is standardized to contain not less than 0.3% S-allylcysteine. In another related aspect, the Beta mlgaris extract is standardized to contain not less than 2% nitrates. In yet another related aspect, the Nigella sativa extract is standardized to contain 0.1% - 5% w/w thymoquinone, about 0.01% - 10% w/w thymohydroquinone, about 20% - 95% w/w fatty acids, about 0.001%-3% w/w a-hederin or hederagenin. In another aspect, the Terminalia arjuna extract is standardized to contain 3% w/w arjunoglucosides. In another preferred embodiment, the composition is used as prostaglandin transporter inhibitor. In yet another preferred embodiment, the composition is used for the therapeutic management of hypertension. In a further preferred embodiment, the composition is used as a cardio protective agent. In another related aspect, the composition is formulated with pharmaceutically/nutraceutically acceptable bioavailability enhancers, antioxidants, excipients, adjuvants, diluents or carriers and administered in the form of tablets, capsules, syrups, gummies, powders, suspensions, emulsions, chewables, candies or eatables.

[Para 0024] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention discloses a method for inhibiting prostaglandin transporter in mammalian cells, said method comprising step of bringing into contact mammalian cells expressing prostaglandin transporter with a composition comprising 30-60% w/w Allium sativum extract, 10-30% w/w Beta vulgaris extract, 5-15% w/w Nigella sativa extract and 10-30% w/w Terminalia arjuna extract. In a related aspect, the Allium sativum extract is standardized to contain not less than 0.3% S-allylcysteine. In another related aspect, the Beta vulgaris extract is standardized to contain not less than 2% nitrates. In yet another related aspect, the Nigella sativa extract is standardized to contain 0.1% - 5% w/w thymoquinone, about 0.01% - 10% w/w thymohydroquinone, about 20% - 95% w/w fatty acids, about 0.001%-3% w/w a-hederin or hederagenin. In another aspect the Terminalia arjuna extract is standardized to contain 3% w/w arjunoglucosides. In a related aspect, the prostaglandins are selected from the group comprising prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostacyclin (PGI2), prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), and prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a). In another related aspect, the mammalian cells are human cells.

[Para 0025] In another preferred embodiment, the invention discloses a composition comprising 30-60% w/w Allium sativum extract, 10-30% w/w Beta vulgaris extract, 5-15% w/w Nigella sativa extract and 10-30% w/w Terminalia arjuna extract for use as a prostaglandin transporter inhibitor. In a related aspect, the Allium sativum extract is standardized to contain not less than 0.3% S-allylcysteine. In another related aspect, the Beta vulgaris extract is standardized to contain not less than 2% nitrates. In yet another related aspect, the Nigella sativa extract is standardized to contain 0.1% - 5% w/w thymoquinone, about 0.01% - 10% w/w thymohydroquinone, about 20% - 95% w/w fatty acids, about 0.001%-3% w/w a-hederin or hederagenin. In another aspect the Terminalia arjuna extract is standardized to contain 3% w/w arjunoglucosides. In a related aspect, the prostaglandins are selected from the group comprising prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostacyclin (PGI2), prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), and prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a).

[Para 0026] In yet another preferred embodiment the invention discloses a method for the therapeutic management of hypertension in mammals, comprising step of administering an effective dose of a composition comprising 30-60% w/w Allium sativum extract, 10-30% w/w Beta vulgaris extract, 5-15% w/w Nigella sativa extract and 10-30% w/w Terminalia arjuna extract to mammals to bring about a. reduction in symptoms of hypertension. In a related aspect, the management of hypertension is brought about by inhibiting/blocking prostaglandin transporter. In another related aspect, tire symptoms of hypertension are selected from the group comprising elevated systolic and diastolic pressure, elevated mean arterial pressure, elevated heart rate and decreased nitric oxide levels. In another related aspect, the effective dose of the composition is 50 - 400 mg/kg bodyweight. In another aspect, the mammal is human. In another related aspect, the composition is formulated with pharmaceutically/nutraceutically acceptable bioavai lability enhancers, antioxidants, excipients, adjuvants, diluents or carriers and administered in. the form of tablets, capsules, syrups, gummies, powders, suspensions , emulsions, chewables, candies or eatables. [Para 0027] In yet another preferred embodiment the invention discloses a composition comprising 30-60% w/w Allium sativum extract, 10-30% w/w Beta vulgaris extract, 5-15% w/w Nigella sativa extract and 10-30% w/w Terminalia arjuna extract method for the therapeutic management of hypertension and related symptoms in mammals. In a related aspect, the management of hypertension is brought about by inhibiting/blocking prostaglandin transporter. In another related aspect, the symptoms of hypertension are selected from the group comprising elevated systolic and diastolic pressure, elevated mean arterial pressure, elevated heart rate and decreased nitric oxide levels. In another related aspect, the effective dose of the composition is 50 - 400 mg/kg bodyweight. In another aspect, the mammal is human. In another related aspect, the composition is formulated with pharmaceutically/nutraceutically acceptable bioavailability enhancers, antioxidants, excipients, adjuvants, diluents or carriers and administered in the form of tablets, capsules, syrups, gummies, powders, suspensions, emulsions, chewables, candies or eatables.

[Para 0028] In another preferred embodiment the invention discloses a method for the therapeutic management of cardiovascular complications in mammals, comprising step of administering an effective dose of a composition comprising 30-60% w/w Allium sativum extract, 10-30% w/w Beta vulgaris extract, 5-15% w/w Nigella sativa extract and 10-30% w/w Terminalia arjuna extract to mammals to bring about a reduction in symptoms of cardiovascular complications. In a related aspect, the management of cardiovascular complications is brought about by inhibiting/blocking prostaglandin transporter. In another related aspect, the symptoms of cardiovascular complications are selected from the group comprising elevated systolic and diastolic pressure, elevated mean arterial pressure, elevated heart rate, and increased levels of cardiac markers. In another related aspect, the cardiac markers are selected from the group comprising Aspartate aminotransferase, Lactate dehydrogenase and Creatine kinase. In another related aspect, the effective dose of the composition is 50 - 400 mg/kg bodyweight. In another aspect, the mammal is human. In another related aspect, the composition is formulated with pharmaceutically/nutraceutically acceptable bioavailability enhancers, antioxidants, excipients, adjuvants, diluents or carriers and administered in the form of tablets, capsules, syrups, gummies, powders, suspensions, emulsions, chewables, candies or eatables.

[Para 0029] In another preferred embodiment the invention discloses a composition comprising 30-60% w/w Allium sativum extract, 10-30% w/w Beta vulgaris extract, 5-15% w/w Nigella sativa extract and 10-30% w/w Terminalia arjuna for the therapeutic management of cardiovascular complications and related symptoms in mammals. In a related aspect, the management of cardiovascular complications is brought about by inhibiting/blocking prostaglandin transporter. In another related aspect, the symptoms of cardiovascular complications are selected from the group comprising elevated systolic and. diastolic pressure, elevated mean arterial pressure, elevated heart rate and increased levels of cardiac markers. In another related aspect, the cardiac markers are selected from the group comprising Aspartate aminotransferase, Lactate dehydrogenase and Creatine kinase. In another related aspect, the effective dose of the composition is 50 - 400 mg/kg bodyweight. In another aspect, the mammal is human. In another related aspect, the composition is formulated with pharmaceutically/nutraceutically acceptable bioavailability enhancers, antioxidants, excipients, adjuvants, diluents or carriers and administered in the form of tablets, capsules, syrups, gummies, powders, suspensions, emulsions, chewables, candies or eatables.

[Para 0030] Specific illustrative examples enunciating the most preferred embodiments are included herein below.

[Para 0031] Examples

[Para 0032] Example 1: Details of the composition

[Para 0033] The invention discloses a composition comprising 30-60% w/w Allium sativum extract, 10-30% w/w Beta vulgaris extract, 5-15% w/w Nigella sativa extract and 10-30% w/w Terminalia arjuna extract for the inhibition of PGT. The abovementioned extracts are reported to elicit cardioprotective and anti-hypertensive effects individually. Some of the medicinal properties of the above extracts are mentioned herein below:

[Para 0034] Allium sativum is a well known plant used in the traditional system of Ayurveda. It is reported to elicit many therapeutic effects against different disorders which include cardiovascular diseases, regulating blood pressure, lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It is also effective against bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections and is reported to enhance the immune system. The plant also has anti-tumor properties (Ayaz and Alpsoy, Garlic ( Allium sativum ) and traditional medicine, Turkiye Parazitol Derg. 2007;31(2): 145-9). It houses many active molecules like allicin, saponins, phenolics and amino acids which are responsible for its biological activity. Allicin scavenges free radicals and inhibits NADPH oxidase. Allicin increases the production of ¾S that results in hyperpolarisation of vascular smooth muscle cells causing vasodialation. Saponins, phenolics and s-allylcysteine directly quench the reactive oxygen species and elicit an anti-oxidant effect. The plant also produces arginine which is the precursor for the production of nitric oxide. The plant extract used in the instant invention is standardized using an in-house process to contain not less than 0.3% of s-allylcysteine.

[Para 0035] Beta vulgaris (Beet root) is a common vegetable used extensively along with normal diet. It also possesses excellent therapeutic properties which include hepatoprotection, anti-diabetic, hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic effects, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties. The plant increases the enzyme called xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) in the red blood cells which converts nitrate to nitrite, which is then turned into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide relaxes vessel walls and has an effect on blood pressure. The extract used in the present invention was standardized using an in-house process to contain not less than 2% nitrates.

[Para 0036] Nigella sativa is well known for its many therapeutic properties in the Ayruvedic, Siddha and Unani systems of medicine. The plant is reported to contain many active molecules like thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, dithymoquinone, p-cymene, carvacrol, 4-terpineol, t- anethol, sesquiterpene longifolene, a-pinene, thymol, a hederin and hederagenin (Ahmad et al, A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb, Asian Pac J Trap Biomed. 2013; 3(5): 337-352), which are responsible for the beneficial effects of the plant. The plant is a well known anti-oxidant, cardiac-depressant and Calcium channel blocker which in turn affects the blood pressure and heart function. The extract used in the instant invention was standardized to contain 0.1% - 5% w/w thymoquinone, about 0.01% - 10% w/w thymohydroquinone, about 20% - 95% w/w fatty acids, about 0.001%- 3% w/w a-hederin or hederagenin.

[Para 0037] Terminalia arjima or arjuna is a well known medicinal plant used in the ancient Ayurvedic medicine. The bark of Terminalia arjuna is reported to contain many hioactive compounds, which can be tapped for use in the treatment of many diseases. Aqunoglucoside, a compound obtained from bark of Terminalia arjuna is well documented in literature for its cardio-protective activity. Other than its cardioprotective property, Terminalia arjuna and its bark extract reported for wide range of activities such as anticancer, hepatoprotective, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-asthmatic, anti-fertility, anti-diabetic, wound healing, anti-platelet and anticoagulant, anti -bacterial and anti-fungal activity. (Saxena et al., Cytotoxic agents from Terminalia arjuna, Planta Med. 2007;73(I4): 1486-90). It also prevents narrowing of blood vessels by reducing atherosclerotic lesions and plaque deposits in blood vessels. The extract was standardized to contain 3% w/w aijunoglucosides.

[Para 0038] Table 1 discloses the details of the formulation and it dose.

[Para 0039] Table 1: Formulation details

[Para 0040] Example 2: Inhibition of prostaglandin transporter

[Para 0041] The formulation was evaluated for its effect inhibiting the prostaglandin transporter (PGT). Kidney cell line, MDCK were seeded onto six-well plates at 30% confluence. Three days later, they were treated with 10 mM bradykinin (to increase endogenous PGE2synthesis, available in Sigma-Aldrich) in the presence of vehicle (DMSO) at 37°C for various durations. The formulation was added at graded concentration simultaneously to the cell culture and it was further incubated for 24 hours. Media were collected for measurements of extracellular concentrations of PGE2. Cells were washed with phosphate-buffered saline twice, lysed with 250 mί. of phosphate-buffered saline containing 0.1 M HC1 and 0.1% Triton X-100 at room temperature for 15 min, and scraped off the plates. Cell suspensions were pipetted up and down for several times to ensure thorough lysing. Cell lysates were collected and centrifuged at 10,000 g 4°C for 10 min. Supernatants were collected. The intracellular PGE2 in the supernatants was measured. (Yuling et al., Development of a High-Affinity Inhibitor of the Prostaglandin Transporter. The journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics, 2011; 339(2); 633-641). Both intracellular and extracellular PGE2 were measured using commercially available PGE2 ELISA Kit from R&D Systems according to user manual. Experiments were conducted in triplicate. Values are expressed as mean ±S.E.M.

[Para 0042] In cultured MDCK cells, the formulation blocks PGE2 uptake. PGE2 triggers a vast variety of signals including inflammation, vasodilation, and angiogenesis (Weeks JR (1972) Prostaglandins. Annu Rev Pharmacol 12:317-336; Clyman RI, Mauray F, Roman C, and Rudolph AM (1978) PGE2 is a more potent vasodilator of the lamb ductus arteriosus than is either PGI2 or 6 keto PGFlalpha. Prostaglandins 16:259-264; Tsujii M, Kawano S, Tsuji S, Sawaoka H, Hori M, and DuBois RN (1998) Cyclooxygenase regulates angiogenesis induced by colon cancer cells. Cell 93:705-716.). The extent of PG signaling depends, to a large degree, on its concentration at cell-surface receptors, which is determined, in turn, by the relative rates of synthesis and metabolism and the transport of PG by Prostaglandin transporter. Cell media were collected for extracellular PGE2 measurements (Fig. 1), and cells were lysed for intracellular PGE2 measurements. Decreased level of extracellular PGE2 in the formulation treated cells (Fig. 2) shows that the Prostaglandin transporter was blocked and did not allow the PGE2 formed inside the cells to come out from cells to the media.

[Para 0043] Tlius the formulation acts as an effective inhibitor of PGT and prevents the transport of prostaglandins across the membrane.

[Para 0044] The therapeutic effect of blocking/inhibiting PGT is manifold. It plays an important role in curtailing inflammation, play a role in ovulation, mucus secretion in GI tract, vasodilatation and angiogenesis. Inhibiting PGT plays a role in hypertension by increasing PGs in circulation thereby exhibiting a vasodilatory effect (Yuling et al.. Development of a High- Affinity Inhibitor of the Prostaglandin Transporter. The journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics, 2011; 339(2); 633-641).

[Para 0045] The therapeutic effect of the formulation by inhibiting PGT was illustratively evaluated by its anti-hypertensive and cardioprotective effects.

[Para 0046] Example 3: Anti-hypertensive effects of the formulation

[Para 0047] Methods

[Para 0048] Normotensive wistar rats were used for the experiments, The rats were spontaneously induced hypertension by the administration of DOCA (deoxycorticosterone acetate) a synthetic mmeralocorticoid derivative, 25mg/kg s.c. twice a week and 1% w/v NaCl in drinking water for a period of 30 days (Model : DOCA salt induced hypertension in rats). The rats were divided into the following groups containing 6 each:

[Para 0049] Table 2: Grouping

[Para 0050] The following parameters were estimated to evaluate the anti-hypertensive effects of the formulation

Expression of PGT

Nitric oxide estimation

Blood Pressure

Heart Rate

Mean Arterial Pressure

Urine Volume

[Para 0051] Expression of PGT

[Para 0052] Solute carrier organic anion transporter family, member 2A1 is also known as the prostaglandin transporter (PGT). Prostaglandin transporter is a member of the 12 -membrane- spanning organic anion-transporting polypeptide super family of transporters. The encoded protein is involved in mediating the uptake and clearance of prostaglandins in numerous tissues. The effect of the formulation was estimated in the plasma of the rats by ELISA. [Para 0053] The results indicated that increased salt uptake increased the expression of the PGT in plasma which was inhibited by the formulation in a dose dependant manner (Fig. 3).

[Para 0054J Levels of Nitric oxide

[Para 0055] Tlie nitric oxide levels were significantly lower in the salt induced groups. The formulation showed increase in the expression of Total Nitric oxide in plasma in a dose dependant manner (Fig. 4)

[Para 0056] Urine Output

[Para 0057] Diuretics work on the kidneys by increasing the amount of salt and water that comes out through your urine. Too much salt can cause extra fluid to build up in blood vessels, raising the blood pressure. Diuretics lower blood pressure by flushing salt out of the body, taking this unwanted extra fluid with it. The diuretic effect of the formulation was tested by measuring the urine output. The results are tabulated in Table 3

[Para 0058] Table 3: Urine output

[Para 0059] The formulation at 200 mg/kg effectively increased the urine output indicating that it acts as an efficient diuretic. [Para 0060] Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and Mean Arterial Pressure

[Para 0061] Tlie Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and Mean Arterial Pressure were estimated using standard protocol. Increase in salt, increased the levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and Mean arterial pressure. The formulation, by inhibiting PGT effectively lowered the Blood Pressure (Fig, 5A and 5B), Heart Rate (Fig. 6) and Mean Arterial Pressure (Fig. 7) in a dose dependant manner indicating that it is a very effective anti-hypertensive composition,

[Para 0062] Example 4: Cardioprotective effects of the formulation

[Para 0063] The formulation comprising the plant extracts was very effective in inhibiting PGT thereby eliciting an anti-hypertensive effect. The formulation was effective in reducing the heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Since elevated heart rate is related to the development of cardiovascular complications, the lowering of heart rate by the formulation through inhibition of PGT can confer a cardioprotective effect. Thus, the cardio protective effect by of the formulation was tested in Isoproterenol induced cardio-toxicity in rats.

[Para 0064] Isoproterenol [l-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-isopropylamino ethanol hydrochloride] (ISO), a synthetic catecholamine and b-adrenergic agonist, causes severe oxidative stress in the myocardium, resulting in infarct-like necrosis of the heart muscle. It is also known to generate free radicals and to stimulate lipid peroxidation. The following cardiac markers were evaluated: a) Aspartate aminotransferase (AST). b) Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).

c) Creatine kinase - MB (CK-MB).

[Para 0065] AST occurs in all human tissues and present in large amounts in liver, renal, cardiac and skeletal muscle tissue. The level increases in myocardial infarction, muscular dystrophy and liver diseases. The increase in the AST levels in the present invention indicates damage to the heart due to increased cardiotoxicity due to Isoproterenol. The formulation effectively reduced AST levels (Fig. 8) thereby indicated that it mitigates the cardiotoxicity developed due to increased salt intake. Similarly, the LDH and CK-MB levels (Fig. 9) also returned to normal in rats administered with the formulation, indicating its cardioprotective effects. [Para 0066] The results indicated that the formulation is an excellent PGT inhibitor. The formulation also conferred related therapeutic benefits of PGT inhibition by being an antihypertensive by reversing the increase in heart rate, blood pressure and Mean arterial pressure close to the normal levels. The formulation is also confers cardioprotective effects by decreasing the elevated cardiac markers close to near normal levels.

[Para 0067] Other modifications and variations to the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing disclosure and teachings. Thus, while only certain embodiments of the invention have been specifically described herein, it will be apparent that numerous modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims.