Vasorelaxant Activity of Salvia hispanica L.: Involvement of the Nitric Oxide Pathway in Its Pharmacological Mechanism.

L., commonly known as , and its seeds have been used since ancient times to prepare different beverages. Due to its nutritional content, it is considered a dietary ingredient and has been reported with many health benefits. Chia seed components are helpful in cardiovascular disease (CVD) by reducing blood pressure, platelet aggregation, cholesterol, and oxidation. Still, its vasodilator effects on the vascular system were not reported yet. The hexanic (HE), dichloromethanic (DE), and methanolic (ME) extracts obtained from seeds were evaluated on an aortic ring experimental model. The vasorelaxant efficacy and mechanism of action were determined. Also, phytochemical data was obtained through C NMR-based dereplication. The ME extract showed the highest efficacy (E = 87%), and its effect was partially endothelium-dependent. The mechanism of action was determined experimentally, and the vasorelaxant curves were modified in the presence of -NAME, ODQ, and potassium channel blockers. ME caused a relaxing effect on KCl 80 mM-induced contraction and was less potent than nifedipine. The CaCl-induced contraction was significantly decreased compared with the control curve. Phytochemical analysis of ME suggests the presence of mannitol, previously reported as a vasodilator on aortic rings. Our findings suggest NO-cGMP pathway participation as a vasodilator mechanism of action of seeds; this effect can be attributed, in part, to the mannitol presence. could be used in future research focused on antihypertensive therapies.