Hypotensive effect of Ficus sycomorus L. on the arterial blood pressureof rabbits

Abstract

The hypotensive effect of the different extracts of Ficus sycomorus L. (FS) on blood pressure was evaluated in normotensive male rabbits for the first time. Anaesthetized rabbits were intraperitoneally injected with the tested extract in a dose of 400 mg/kg. The unripe fruit extract (FSFE) produced the greatest fall in the mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) from 181±5.22 to 65±11.56 mmHg. The wood extract (FSWE) caused significant and sustained hypotension and reduced MABP from 198±4.53 to 79±2.41 mmHg. The stem bark extract (FSBE) demonstrated slight fall in the MABP, it reduced MABP from 186±1.43 to 122±2.65 mmHg. The leaf extract (FSLE) showed fluctuation in the MABP. Hence, it can be concluded that F. sycomorus L. exerts a hypotensive effect suggesting its potential to be utilized as a therapeutic alternative for hypertension. Also, phytochemical screening of ethanolic extracts of the different parts of F. sycomorus L. revealed the presence of carbohydrates and/or glycosides, unsaturated sterols and/or triterpenoids and flavonoids, tannins and coumarins in addition to traces of saponins.