Cardiovascular responses to aqueous extracts of the seeds of Cassia occidentalis in' Conscious unrestrained Brattleboro rats

Abstract

Hypotensive effect of aqueous extracts of the seeds of cassia accidentalis was studied in conscious, unrestrained Brattleboro rats, using Doppler flowmeter to measure blood flow and vascular resistance in the distal aorta (hindquarters), renal, and superior mesenteric arteries. Pulse rate, mean, and phasic arterial blood pressures were also measured. The extract caused significant fall in arterial blood pressure accompanied by substantial tachycardia decreased vascular resistance in hindquarters and renal vessels but increased vascular resistance in superior mesenteric artery. The blood flow and vascular resistance showed a reciprocal relationship in the mesenteric and hindquarters but not in renal vascular bed. It is concluded that the extract contains an active principle which does not cause generalized vasodilation but has limited vasodilatory effect on renal and hindquarters vasculatures leading to generalised hypotention