Effects of crude aqueous extracts of Heliotropium indicum Linn (Boraginaceae) on blood pressure in Wistar rats

The present work was carried out to investigate the effects of crude aqueous extracts of the stem with leaves and roots of Heliotropium indicum Linn on blood pressure in Wistar rats. Crude aqueous extracts were obtained by decoction of Heliotropium indicum stem with leaves and roots. A phytochemical screening of extracts has been made by thin layer chromatography. The pharmacological effect of the extracts was assessed by administration to L-NAME-induced hypertensive Wistar rats. Blood pressures were measured by carotid catheterization. The chemical screening revealed the presence of many secondary metabolites such as coumarins, flavonoids, anthocyanics, lignans, saponins, tannins, terpenes and triterpenes in both extract. Alkaloid were detected only in the root extract. 7-days administration of L-NAME induced an increasis of rat mean arterial pressure (MAP) from 1063 mmHg to 1342 mmHg. Administration of both extracts significantly decreased the MAP from 1342 mmHg to respectively to 108 1 mmHg for the stem with leaf extract and to 1212 mmHg for the root extract.These results provide a support for the use of this plant in traditional medicine.