Safe and natural oral solid tablets antihypertensive based on Cassia occidentalis (FABACEAE)

The roots of Cassia occidentalis Linn (CAESALPINIACEAE) are widely used in traditional Malagasy medicine to treat various conditions, including hypertension. This study aimed to scientifically investigate the acute oral toxicity in mice, assess the antihypertensive effects through in vivo assays in rabbits, screen for therapeutic phytochemical metabolites, and formulate an antihypertensive oral tablet based on aqueous root extract using direct compression and wet granulation methods. The pharmacological results showed reversible, dose-dependent antihypertensive and hypotensive actions in both normotensive and adrenaline-induced hypertensive models. The hypotensive effect of the extract (100 to 500 mg/kg b.w) is comparable to the effect of acetylcholine (25, 50 or 100 mg/kg b.w). Furthermore, the acute oral toxicity study revealed the extract to be safe up to a dose of 5,000 mg/kg. These results demonstrate the antihypertensive and safe potential of the plant root extract. Several beneficial chemical compounds that could contribute to these activities were also detected in the aqueous extract (EABCO), including tannins, steroids, polysaccharides, quinones, and saponins. Their presence could justify the traditional use of C. occidentalis roots against hypertension. The excipients used were compatible with the root extract’s structure and enabled the production of stable, palatable tablets in accordance with good manufacturing practices. This study indicates the plant’s potential as a natural ingredient in a safe, antihypertensive drug. Further in-depth studies are needed before this preparation can be made available.