Abstract:
The leaves extract of Catharanthus roseus was investigated for hypotensive and hypolipidemic effects in
adrenaline-induced hypertensive rats (AIHR) and compared with those of Atenolol in a crossover design. The
pharmacologically Active components responsible for hypotensive activities were isolated from plant using
bioassay guided purification approach and the structure of the compounds was proposed by spectroscopic
methods. Catharanthus roseus leaves extract and commercial drug Atenolol were administered through
intraperitoneal (i.p) route for one week. Different biochemical parameters such as heart weight, blood glucose
level, serum cholesterol level, serum triglyceride level, body weight and the relationships between them were
measured. Catharanthus roseus leaves extract at a dose of 30 mg/155±15 gm of body weight was injected in rat at every morning during the treatment period. The dose of Atenolol was determined according to its
pharmacokinetic parameters. Clinically effective plasma concentration as a hypotensive drug was obtained after the injection of 0.1 mg/155±15 gm of body weight of the drug. The Catharanthus roseus leaves extract made significant changes in each cardiovascular parameter after investigation. Catharanthus roseus leaves extract treated animals have shown the hypotensive effects. Hypotensive effects were also shown by Atenolol.
