Effect of Eclipta Alba on Fructose Induced Hypertension in Albino Rats

ObjectiveHypertension is a common disorder rising in incidence once established treatment is obligatory. The causes, so also the drugs are many & usually the treatment is lifelong. Hence research is going on to find out a suitable & safe drug. Herbal products in this regard are worthy of investigation. Eclipta alba Hassk (Bhringaraja) is recently reported to have diuretic & antihypertensive activity in an ayurvedic study. This creates renewed interest for scientific evaluation of the claimed activity. MethodsHypertension was induced in male wistar albino rats by providing fructose (66%) in their diet for 15 days. Ethanolic extract of Eclipta alba (EEEA) leaves was administered in 100,200&400 mg/kg doses P.O.to different groups of rats for 7days starting from day 16th of fructose administration. The systolic, diastolic & mean arterial pressure (SBP, DBP, MAP) & heart rate(HR) were measured on day 7th,14th,21st & 28th day of administration standard & test drugs by non invasive BP system for rodents. ResultsA rise in blood pressure was found on day 16th of fructose diet. EEEA decreased the rise in B.P significantly in a dose dependent manner comparable to Quinapril. ConclusionEclipta alba Hassk was found to posses significant antihypertensive activity in rat model. Further study in this line is necessary to pass its beneficial effects to clinical use.