Effect of Falcaria Vulgaris Hydro-Alcoholic Extract on Isolated Rat Heart

Background & Objectives: Cardiovascular effects of herbal medicine were shown in numerous studies. Falcaria Vulgaris or Gazayag has traditionally been used in Kermanshah as an herbal medicine and its beneficial effect on peptic ulcer and skin wound has been proved in previous studies. There is some evidence about its cardiac effect. In addition, special chemical substance called Butylidenephthalide has been extracted from the similar plant which can reduce myocardial ischemia in rat. This study is aimed to consider the effect of Falcaria Vulgaris Extract on isolated rat heart function.

Materials and methods: Adult male NMRI rats (N= 11) were used in this experimental study. After anesthesia, heart was isolated and perfused in a technique called the Langendorff mode of perfusion and cardiac function parameters, heart rate (HR), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), and coronary solution flow (CF)_ were measured and rate pressure product (RPP) was calculated as well. Hydro-alcoholic extract of Falcaria Vulgaris, via rinsing, was prepared and amounts 7.5, 15, 22.5 and 30 mg/ml administered to the hearts with ten minutes intervals.

Results: Results show 7.5, 15, 22.5 mg/ml increased CF from 11.52±0.6 ml/min (Mean ± SE) to 12.93±0.56, 13.8±0.88 and 13.78±0.85 ml/min, respectively (p<0.05). There weren’t any significant changes in other parameters (LVDP, HR and RPP).

Conclusion: To sum up, this finding shows a coronary vasodilator effect of Falcaria Vulgaris. With regards to this fact that there were not any significant changes in cardiac function parameters, it can be concluded that this is a direct effect and is not dependent on metabolism; hence the complementary study for clarifying of the cellular mechanism of extract is suggested.