Hypotensive effect of Achillea wilhelmsii aqueous-ethanolic extract in rabbit

ABSTRACT

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