The Effect of GLM 002, an Oriental Medicine, on Blood Pressure and Plasma Lipids in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity is one of the common antihypertensive methods functioned by drugs such as captopril, lisinopril and enalapril to serve as inhibitors of ACE. This study was designed to compare the effects of enalapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and GLM002, an oriental medicine, on tail systolic pressure, aorta and plasma properties in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) after 4 weeks of treatment. During the treatment, blood pressure was depressed to normal in GLM002 and enalapril groups. The treatments of enalapril and GLM002 were discontinued in 4 weeks. One week after the treatment stop, systolic blood pressure was smoothly increased in both groups; the increment of blood pressure was slightly greater in GLM002-SHR, but the increment of plasma ACE activity was proportionately similar in each group. In the aspects of the triglyceride, HDL and total cholesterol level, those levels were slightly different among each group. We also conducted clinical dosage of GLM002 to the patients who have mild and severe hypertension for approximately 7 weeks. Clinical treatments also showed remarkable efficiencies on blood pressure (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure), complete blood count (CBC) routine, differ count (NEUTRO, LYM, MONO, EOS and BASO) and R-chemistry. We conclude that GLM002, like already proven enalapril, plays a role as an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, and can be suggested as a drug candidate for curing hypertension.