**3.6. Caricaceae –** *Carica papaya* **L.**

Nevertheless, *A. graveolens* is extensively used in traditional medicinal systems – including those in Suriname-against numerous diseases ranging from respiratory ailments and liver

Support for an antihypertensive effect of preparations from *A. graveolens* came from the decreased blood pressure and heart rate in salt-induced hypertensive rats, normotensive rats, and normotensive rabbits following intraperitoneal administration of extracts from seeds, stalks, or roots of the plant [83–86]. The results from studies with isolated rat aortic rings suggested that these effects occurred through vasodilation [83] or the stimulation of muscarinic receptors [84]. However, extracts from celery leaves, stalks, and roots have also been reported to stimulate diuresis in several experimental models [87, 88], providing an alternative expla-

The antihypertensive effects of *A. graveolens* have been attributed to the presence in the plant of the benzofuran 3-n-butylphthalide [86, 89] that, along with sedanolide, is also primarily responsible for the aroma and taste of celery. Clinical studies indeed showed a reduction in blood pressure of patients who had been given celery juice [90, 91]. These and other clinical data first led to the approval in China of 3-n-butylphthalide for the treatment of cerebral ischemia, and the preparation of clinical studies to assess n-butylphthalide formulated as softgel

The coconut tree *C. nucifera* is believed to originate from the South East Asian peninsular region. It has probably spread to many other parts of the world by sea-faring traders and through marine currents, and is now cultivated in many subtropical and tropical countries. Refrigerated coconut water or coconut juice is a much appreciated refreshing drink all over the world; the fleshy coconut 'meat' is used fresh or dried in confections and desserts; coconut milk is frequently added to curries and other spicy dishes; and coconut oil is used for frying

capsules for its safety in patients with mild to moderate acute ischemic stroke [92].

diseases to menstrual problems and hypertension [45, 81, 82].

**Figure 4.** Apiaceae – *Apium graveolens* L. (from: https://goo.gl/images/7RWqQ4).

nation for their blood pressure-lowering effects.

and preparing margarine and in various cosmetics [93].

**3.5. Arecaceae –** *Cocos nucifera* **L.**

166 Herbal Medicine

The papaya plant *C. papaya* probably has its origin in Mexico and the northern parts of South America and has subsequently become naturalized throughout other tropical and subtropical regions. Various cultivars are grown for their edible ripe fruits which are usually consumed raw. The juice from ripe papayas is a popular low-calorie beverage and is also added as a flavoring in candies, jellies, and ice cream; the unripe fruit is incorporated in various dishes; the young leaves and flower buds may be consumed as vegetables; and the ground black seeds are sometimes used as a substitute for black pepper.

The relatively high amount of the protease papain in unripe fruits has been taken advantage of for centuries by the indigenous peoples of the Americans and Caribbean to tenderize meat [101]. Based on this practice, papain is now included as a component in some powdered meat tenderizers [102]. A few other important contemporary uses of papain are its medical use against dyspepsia and other digestive disorders and disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract [103], and its addition to beer as a clarifying agent [104].

Preparations from papaya leaves are traditionally used for treating a wide variety of diseases ranging from dengue fever and malaria to diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension [51, 101, 105]. Some of these claims may be explained, at least partially, by the presence of carotenoids and polyphenols, benzyl isothiocyanates and benzyl glucosinolates, and/or the cyanogenic substance prunasin in papaya skin, pulp, and seeds [101].

caused a comparable diuretic effect as hydrochlorothiazide in conscious albino rats [117]. In the former study, urinary chloride excretion was increased suggesting that the extract had

Plant-Based Ethnopharmacological Remedies for Hypertension in Suriname

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.72106

169

The glue sticks *D. adscendens* is commonly encountered in forests, grasslands, secondary/disturbed vegetation, old cultivated fields, and roadsidesin tropical areas. The leaves and stems have probably been used for thousands of years by native peoples for a variety of health issues, including liver ailments, respiratory diseases, backache, rheumatism, gonorrhea, ovar-

Main compounds in *D. adscendens* are flavonoids, triterpenes, saponins, amines, and alkaloids [120]. Pharmacological studies with *D. adscendens* leaf extracts showed, among others, spasmolytic effects in isolated guineas pig trachea and ilei precontracted with histamine [121, 122]. In Suriname, *D. adscendens* is generally known as '*konkruman*' ('informer') or '*toriman*' ('story teller') because the sticky pods stay clinging to clothing, betraying the unapproved presence of the bearer 'in the field', that is, away from home. Indigenous folklore believes that preparations from the plant attract and hold fortune and prosperity while at the same capturing and removing bad luck and disease [45]. A tea prepared from the macerated roots is also used as an antihypertensive [46]. This effect may be attributable to the above-mentioned relaxing effect of certain constituents of the plant on smooth muscle cells [121, 122] – possibly including those in blood vessel walls – but there are no scientific indications to support this

The courbaril, West Indian locust, or jatoba *H. courbaril* (**Figure 5**) is a common tree in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. The hardwood is very durable and is used for manufacturing furniture, flooring, window frames, staircases, as well as canoes. The seeds are situated in a hard pod and are surrounded by an edible dry pulp that has an unpleasant scent reminiscent of foot odor. For this reason, the tree is also known as 'stinking toe' and 'old man's toe'. However, the pulp has a high content of starches and proteins and a sweet taste. It is often eaten raw; may be dried and powdered for making snacks; and may also be mixed

The stembark of the tree produces an orange, soft, sticky resin called 'animé', French for 'animated', referring to the large numbers of insects that are entrapped in it [123]. Animé has a pleasant fragrance and is used for the production of incense, perfume, and varnish [123]. Interestingly, the indigenous peoples of the Amazon have used *H. courbaril* resin for centuries to preserve the colors on their pottery [45]. Preparations from this substance, along with those from several other parts of the plant, have traditionally also been used in various South American and African countries for treating a variety of conditions such as anemia, kidney problems, dysfunctions of the respiratory system, and abdominal ailments

decreased tubular reabsorption [116].

ian inflammation, and epilepsy [118, 119].

**3.9. Fabaceae –** *Hymenaea courbaril* **L.**

with water to prepare a drink called 'atole'.

presumption.

[45, 123, 124].

**3.8. Fabaceae –** *Desmodium adscendens* **(Sw.) DC.**

Support for the alleged antihypertensive effect of *C. papaya* was provided by the decrease in blood pressure in renal and salt-induced hypertensive Wistar rats treated with a crude ethanol extract from the unripened fruit [106]. This preparation, as well as a pentane extract from papaya seeds and an aqueous extract from papaya leaves relaxed vascular muscle tone of isolated rabbit arterial strips [106], strips of dog carotid artery precontracted with phenylephrine [107], and rat aortic ring preparations [108]. The relaxing effect of the fruit preparation was counteracted by phentolamine, suggesting that *C. papaya* contains (an) antihypertensive substance(s) that mainly exhibits α-adrenoceptor activity [108]. *C. papaya* preparations may also exert a blood pressure-lowering effect by stimulating diuresis, as suggested by the diuretic action of an aqueous root extract in laboratory rats, accomplishing similar effects on electrolyte excretion as hydrochlorothiazide [109].
