Fraxinus excelsior L. evokes a hypotensive action in normal and spontaneously hypertensive rats

The hypotensive effect of an aqueous extract of Fraxinus excelsior L. was investigated in both normotensive (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Daily oral administration of Fraxinus excelsior (20 mg/kg) aqueous extract for 3 weeks produced a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) with variation coefficient (Delta%) of 13.5% in SHR (p < 0.01) and 9% in WKY rats (P < 0.05). The aqueous extract of Fraxinus excelsior significantly enhanced the urination in both SHR (p < 0.05 compared to control) and WKY (P < 0.05 compared to control). Irbesartan (Avapro (R)), an angiotensin II antagonist, was used as reference drug. Furthermore, oral administration of aqueous Fraxinus excelsior extract at a dose of 20 mg/kg produced a significant increase in urinary excretion of sodium (p < 0.01 compared to control), potassium (p < 0.001 compared to control) and chlorides (p < 0.01) in SHR rats. In normal rats, the aqueous Fraxinus excelsior extract administration induced a significant increase of the urinary elimination of sodium (p < 0.05 compared to control), chlorides (p < 0.01 compared to control) and potassium (p < 0.01 versus control). While there were no significant changes in heart rate (HR) after Fraxinus excelsior treatment in both SHR and WKY rats, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) showed a significant increase in SH rats (p < 0.001) after Fraxinus excelsior treatment. These results suggest that oral administration of aqueous extract of Fraxinus excelsior exhibited hypotensive and diuretic actions. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.