Asparagus racemosus (Willd.) mitigates systemic inflammation and restores angiogenic balance in L-NAME induced pre-eclampsia in experimental animals.

PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: This study highlights the potential of Asparagus racemosus (A. racemosus) as a multi-targeted therapeutic agent for preeclampsia (PE). In an N (G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced rat model, AR demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic effects. It modulated key biomarkers, including HMGB1, TNF-α, VEGF and sFLT1, while improving the structural integrity of placental and cardiac tissues, supporting its promise as a natural therapeutic intervention.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the therapeutic potential of A. racemosus root extract in an L-NAME-induced rat model of preeclampsia by investigating its effects on inflammation, angiogenic imbalance and tissue integrity.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

On gestational day 20, ELISA was performed to analyse plasma samples for key inflammatory and angiogenic markers, histopathological assessments of placental and cardiac tissues were conducted to identify structural abnormalities, while immunohistochemical analysis evaluated FLT1 and PlGF expression in placental trophoblasts and cardiac tissue.

RESULTS

The PE group showed significantly higher levels of HMGB1, Decorin and TNF-α in plasma, along with a notable decrease in VEGF and PlGF. Dysregulated IL-6 and sFLT1 levels further suggest an inflammatory and angiogenic imbalance. Histopathological analysis indicated damage to placental and cardiac tissues. Immunohistochemistry confirmed increased FLT1 expression and decreased PlGF in trophoblasts. However, treatment with AR markedly improved these markers.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights that the treatment with A. racemosus in PE modulates inflammatory cascades and restores vascular balance, positioning it as a promising natural intervention for managing PE. Further research, including clinical studies, is warranted to validate its efficacy in improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.