Hypotensive activity of methanolic extract of berberis vulgaris [root pulp and bark]

ABSTRACT

Many plants have been recommended in alternative systems of medicine for hypotensive activity although few systematic studies have been done. In this study, the hypotensive activity was studied in normotensive albino rats at different doses of BRPM and BB. The receptor activity was assessed by the drugs Ach on rat heart. Administration of different methanolic extract [BRPM, BB] showed significant reductions in blood pressure comparable to its respective control. Both methanolic extract completely blocked the Ach receptors in heart. This study suggests that the methanolic extract [BRPM, BB] have significant Ach receptor blocking and hypotensive activity and may be recommended for further investigation