Hypotensive effect of Achillea wilhelmsii aqueous-ethanolic extract in rabbit

Abstract

Objective: For many years in herbal medicine the antihypertensive and lowering blood lipid properties of<em> Achillea wilhelmsii (A. wilhelmsii) </em>have been suggested<em>.</em> In the present study the impacts of the plant extract on rabbit's blood pressure and heart rate have been investigated. Materials and Methods: Twelve NWZ rabbits weighed 2-3 kg were randomly divided into two groups of 6 rabbits. The test group received <em>A. wilhelmsii</em> 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: the aqueous-ethanolic extract has blood pressure lowering property which may due to cardiac depressant and/or vasorelaxant effects.