Hypotensive and diuretic activities of aqueous-ethanol extract of Asphodelus tenuifolius

In order to rationalize the traditional uses of Asphodelus tenuifolius in cardiovascular complaints, aqueous-ethanol extract of the plant was investigated for hypotensive and diuretic activities using in vivo and in vitro models. Intravenous administration of the extract in anesthetized rats produced 14.5 (95% CI; 13.3-15.6), 24.5 (95% CI; 21.3-27.9) and 35.3% (95% CI; 32.0-42.5) fall in mean arterial blood pressure at the doses of 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg, respectively. The extract increased the urine volume and electrolytes excretion significantly at the doses of 300 and 500 mg/kg in rats. In rabbit's isolated aorta preparations, the extract, like verapamil, relaxed K+ (80 mM)-induced contractions more potently than phenylephrine (1 mu M)-induced contractions, indicating Ca2+ antagonistic activity. The extract produced dose-dependent stimulant followed by depressant effects in spontaneously contracting rabbit's paired atria preparations. The results suggest that the extract of A. tenuifolius has hypotensive and diuretic effects in animals.