Acute hypotensive and diuretic activities of Artemisia herba alba aqueous extract in normal rats

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of Artemisia herba alba (A. herba alba) intravenous injection on cardiovascular and renal function in normal rats.MethodsThe effect of intravenous injection of A. herba alba extract at the different doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg was investigated in normal rats. Diuresis, heart frequency and electrolytes concentrations were analyzed.ResultsIntravenous bolus injection of A. herba alba at the different doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg produced a dose dependent reduction in arterial blood pressure (P<0.001). A significant reduction in heart frequency was observed after A. herba alba injection at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg (P<0.001). Perfusion of aqueous A. herba alba extract at a dose of 200 mg/(kg·h) caused a significant increase in urine output after 4 h of perfusion (P<0.001). In addition, a significant increase in urinary sodium and potassium excretion was observed from the first (P<0.05) to the fourth hour (P<0.001) of A. herba alba perfusion. Urinary chlorure excretion increased after 2 h of perfusion (P<0.001). However, glomerular filtration rate remained unchanged after A. herba alba perfusion (P<0.05).ConclusionsWe conclude that the aqueous A. herba alba extract possesses a potent acute hypotensive effect on normal rats. In addition, A. herba alba perfusion may affect renal function to increase urine and electrolytes excretion.