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

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.