Abstract

Gomphrena globosa L. (Amaranthaceae) is used in folk medicine in the treatment of high blood pressure and other diseases. To confirm this popular use, ethanol extract from leaves of G. globosa L. was prepared by maceration and analyzed by some phytochemical and biological assays, including cardiovascular activity. The phytochemical screeningdetected the presence of saponins, alkaloids, reducing sugars and coumarins. The extract did not induce either lethality in the brine shrimp (Artemia salina Leach) bioassay orantimicrobial activity. The negative results for cytotoxic and antimicrobial assays indicated possible low cytotoxicity to the extract. In other hand, it promoted a hypotensive activity by significant reduction in arterial blood pressure without change heart rate, confirming the therapeutic use as antihypertensive for this plant.

Key words: Gomphrena, Amaranthaceae, antihypertensive, cytotoxicity, Artemia salina.