Hypotensive effect of Achillea wilhelmsii aqueous-ethanolic extract in rabbit

For many years in herbal medicine the antihypertensive and lowering blood lipid properties of Achillea wilhelmsii [A. wilhelmsii] have been suggested. In the present study the impacts of the plant extract on rabbit's blood pressure and heart rate have been investigated. Twelve NWZ rabbits weighed 2-3 kg were randomly divided into two groups of 6 rabbits. The test group received A. wilhelmsii extract [20, 40 and 80 mg/kg] and the control group received normal saline by jugular vein cannula. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured via carotid cannula using pressure transducer connected to a power lab system. The blood pressure was significantly decreased [16.7+/- 1.4 mmHg] in 80 mg/kg dose of the extract [p<0.05]. However, there were not any significant effects on heart rate in the other doses of the extract or normal saline. The aqueous-ethanolic extract has blood pressure lowering property which may due to cardiac depressant and/or vasorelaxant effects

Prednisolone as a new approach for treatment of HTLV-1 associated polyneuropathy

We have previously shown the implication of HTLV-1 in polyneuropathy in a HTLV-1 endemic area in Mashhad. Treatment with corticosteroids [prednisolone and methylprednisolone] have been recommended for HTLV-1 associated diseases. In the current study we attempted to evaluate the efficiency of prednisolone in HTLV-1 associated polyneuropathy. All recognized cases of HTLV-1 polyneuropathy admitted to Imam Reza Hospital [between 1999-2004] were selected for the study. The other common causes of polyneuropathy were excluded using biochemical, hematological, and neurologic examination. Anti-HTLV1 IgG assays were carried out and positive anti-HTLV-1 results were then confirmed by Western Blot Analyzing. All of the HTLV-1 associated polyneuropathy patients were given prednisolone, 1mg/ kg and tapering 5mg/ per week, for three month. Muscle force and paresthesia of all cases were returned to normal pattern. This therapeutic regimen led to reduction of disease severity. Muscle force increased to V/V and paresthesia of all cases were severely decreased. The results of present study suggest that immunosuppressive treatment is very effective for HTLV-1 associated polyneuropathy patients