Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:425-433.

Abstract

Tacca integrifolia Ker-Gawl (Taccaceae) is locally known as ‘Belimbing Tanah’. It has been traditionally used for the treatment of hypertension, hemorrhoids, heart failure and kidney disease. Analysis of leaf and rhizome extracts of T. integrifolia using LCMS/MS showed the presence of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, quinic acid, gypenosides and 3-caffeolquinic acid. The total phenol contents are high in the leaves and rhizome water extracts at 792.75±0.21 and 350.83±0.15 mgGAE/g, respectively. Total flavonoid contents are also high in the leaf extract at 89.52±0.27 mgQE/g and rhizome extract at 30.22±0.37 mgQE/g. ACE inhibitory activity was highest in rhizome water extract. Sub-acute toxicity test showed that no mortality occurred in rats fed with these extracts under experimental conditions. Blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats was reduced significantly (p<0.05) at 50 and 100 mg/kg of leaves and rhizome water extract, respectively. Liver function test indicated no significant difference in total protein, ALT and AST between control group fed with 100 mg/kg of both extracts. Similarly, renal function test indicated no significant difference in sodium and potassium levels as well as creatinine between control group fed with 100 mg/kg leaves and rhizome water extract. Thus, these results supported and provide scientific evidence for the traditional use of T. integrifolia as treatment for hypertension.