Pharmacological Effects of Pernettya Insana Extracts on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and Body Weight in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Abstract

The Hypotensive Activity Of Pernettya Insana (Ericaceae) Fractions Was Investigated In Male, Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats (Shr) Through Single Intravenous and Successive Oral Administration Of Pernettya Hexane and Ethanol Extracts Of The Whole Plant. The Extracts Were Administered Orally At Two Doses, 3 Mg/Kg Or 30 Mg/Kg, For 20 Days, In Shr. Ethanol Extract Showed Less Effect On Hypertension Than Hexane Extract. Neither An Increase In Heart Rate Nor A Decrease In Growth Were Observed, Suggesting That The Extracts Are Not Likely To Cause Toxicity. Heart Rate Showed Fluctuation According To The Increase Of The Dose Extract. Body Weight In Rats 4-8 Weeks Of Age Treated With Pernettya Extract Did Not Show Significant Changes. It Was Concluded That The Hypotensive Properties Might Be Due To The High Content Of Tannin In The Crude Extract Of Pernettya.