Vigna unguiculata reduces aortic intima-media thickness and increases aortic diameter and angiogenesis in ovariectomized rats

Objective: This study aimed to determine whether Vigna unguiculata is able to affect aortic intima media thickness, aortic diameter and aortic VEGF expression among ovariectomized rats. Methods: Thirty female rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 6 each) including 1 control group (sham), one ovariectomized (OVX) group, and three test groups. The test rats were OVX group received 0.5 mg/kg body weight (BW), 2.5 mg/kg BW and 5 mg/kg BW of Vigna unguiculata extract. Aortic intima-media thickness was analyzed histologically. Aortic diameter was analyzed in abdominal aorta using ultrasonography. Aortic VEGF expression was analyzed immunohistochemically. Results: OVX decreased the aortic VEGF expression which was significantly elevated by the 5 mg/kg dose of V.unguiculata. OVX also significantly increased aortic intima-media thickness. This increase significantly reversed by the 5 mg/kg dose of the extract. In addition, the aortic diameter in OVX rats was significantly elevated by the 2.5 and 5 mg/kg doses of V.unguiculata extract. Conclusion: Vigna unguiculata extract elevated the decreased angiogenesis and aortic diameter in ovariectomized rats. Besides, the extract also decreased the aortic intima-media thickness. These results provide an alternative natural therapy for vascular pathology in the used experimental model.