The Impact of several Antihypertensive drugs and Medicinal herbs on Induced hypertension in rabbits

Abstract

Objective: To assess the antihypertensive efficacy of the medicinal plants used Hibiscus subdariffa, Plantago major, Teucrium polium. Moreover, we aim to Investigate the mechanisms of actions of tested agents. Design: Induced hypertension in experimental animals is tested against several drugs and medicinal plants extracts. Animals and materials: Hypertension was induced in experimental rabbits with phenylephrine 0.2mg/kg i.v. with increasing the dose (until Blood pressure>130/90mmHg). Rabbits were divided to 7 groups: Control, atenolol, furosemide, candesartan, Hibiscus subdariffa, Plantago major, Teucrium polium. ANOVA with Dunnett's test was implemented for statistical calculations with p<0.05 as significance level. Results: Candesartan was the most effective in lowering both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Concerning the blood flow, candesartan was found to be the most significantly effective drug in increasing blood flow followed by furosemide and Hibiscus subdariffa respectively. Concerning the urine output furosemide was found to be the most significantly effective drug in increasing urine output followed by Hibiscus subdariffa. The aqueous extracts of Plantago major and Teucrium polium showed no significant effect. Conclusions: Hibiscus subdariffa is effective as diuretic agent at the concentration mentioned. Its action involves diuretic and vasodilator effect. While aqueous extracts of Plantago major and Teucrium polium are not effective.