Acute and chronic effects of prangos ferulacea hydroalcoholic extract on normal and high blood pressure induced by L-NAME and its mechanism of action in male rats

Abstract

Background: Some studies have shown therapeutic properties of Prangos ferulacea, but its effect on blood pressure (BP) is unidentified. Objectives: So acute and chronic feeding effects of P. ferulacea on BP and its mechanism were evaluated in male rats. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract of P. ferulacea (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) was injected intravenously and mean arterial BP and heart rate were measured. The mechanism of effect of the extract on BP was evaluated by intraperitoneal administration of L-NAME, atropine or indomethacin (4, 1, and 5 mg/kg, respectively) and then intravenous injection of extract (50 mg/kg). In addition, the extract (500 mg/kg/day) was given orally in L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day)-induced hypertensive rats during 4 weeks. Then anxiety behaviors and BP were assessed. Results: Intravenous P. ferulacea reduced BP significantly (P < 0.01). There was a significant difference between the effect of 12.5 and 50 mg/kg of extract (P < 0.001). The effect of hypotension of the extract was eliminated by atropine and decreased by L-NAME. Chronic administration of L-NAME increased BP from 112 mmHg in the control group to 149 in hypertensive rats (P < 0.01), while the oral extract in these rats reduced BP to 119 mmHg (P < 0.01). The P. ferulacea had no effect on heart rate and anxiety behaviors in normal and hypertensive rats. Conclusions: Intravenous P. ferulacea reduces BP, which may be via the muscarinic receptor. Oral P. ferulacea prevents BP augmentation induced by L-NAME. The P. ferulacea seems to be useful for prophylaxis of hypertension.