Justicia gendarussa Leaf Extract Increases Endothelial Cell Viability in Angiotensin II-Induced Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Hypertension stimulates the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) to malfunction and activates the synthesis of angiotensin II (Ang II). It triggers the generation of oxidative stress, which in turn causes endothelial cell dysfunction and death. The active substances of Justicia gendarussa (J. gendarussa) leaf reduce free radicals. The study hypothesized whether J. gendarussa leaf extract restores cell viability of human vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by Ang II. The in vitro model of HUVECs used a post-only control group design. HUVECs were cultured with 0.1 μM Ang II alone and with Ang II plus the extract of 12.5, 25, and 50 μg/mL J. gendarussa, respectively. Cell viability was assayed by Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 assay. Cell viability percentage at 0-hour observation in the CTL, Ang II, 12.5, 25, 50 μg/ml J. gendarussa leaf extract groups was 100±1.17, 94.91±0.75, 94.76±0.53, 96.02±1.42, 94.47±0.8%, respectively. At 24-hours observation was 100±0.78, 59.23±1.91, 74.93±1.17, 95.59±1.99, 81.99±0.59%, respectively. At 48-hours observation was 100±0.72, 78.71±0.33, 106.39±0.95, 129.47±0.25, 107.87±1.08%, respectively. In comparison with the control group and J. gendarussa extract administration, we found that cell viability was significantly increased at 24 and 48 hours of observation (p< 0.000). We concluded that J. gendarussa leaf extract improves endothelial cell viability in Ang II-induced HUVECs.