Study of the Antihypertensive Effect of Laurus nobilis in Rats

Abstract

Aims The study aimed to study the antihypertensive activity of Laurus nobilis. Background Laurus nobilis L. is used to treat hypertension in Morocco. Objective The study was designed to investigate the effect of the aqueous extract leaves of Laurus nobilis (AELN) on blood pressure. Materials and methods The antihypertensive and vasorelaxant activities of AELN were pharmacologically investigated in normotensive and L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Thereafter, blood pressure was evaluated, and the ex-vivo vasorelaxant activity of this extract was performed. Results A considerable decrease in blood pressure parameters were observed in L-NAMEinduced hypertensive rats treated with AELN. The extract induced a vasorelaxant effect on the aorta precontracted with epinephrine or KCl by inhibiting extracellular Ca2+ entry. Conclusion The study demonstrates that Laurus nobilis aqueous extract exhibits potent antihypertensive and vasorelaxant activities via inhibiting Ca2+ entry.