The Effect of an Aqueous Extract of Olive (Olea europaea) Leaves on the Adrenal-Kidney-Pituitary Axis in Rats

Abstract

A crude aqueous extract of the fresh leaves of olive (Olea europaea L., family Oleaceae) was administered orally for 14 consecutive days in doses of 100, 250, and 500 μg/kg body weight. The highest dose level tested caused a significant increase of ACTH (323.20 pg/mL), cortisol (1.29 pg/mL), and potassium (5.14 mEq/L) in the blood. In contrast, the renin (5.98 ng/mL/h), aldosterone (296.40 pg/mL), and sodium (127.80 mEq/L) concentrations in blood were significantly reduced at the same dose. The leaf extract exhibited activity in a dose-dependent manner.

KEYWORDS:

• ACTH
• aldosterone
• cortisol
• renin