The Effect of Aqueous Phase and Hydroalcoholic Extract of Stachys lavandulifolia on VEGF Gene Expression Changes and Angiogenesis of Chick Embryo Chorioallantoic Membrane

Introduction: Angiogenesis is the physiological process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels. Cardiovascular endothelial factors are involved in diseases and vascular regulation.  Stachys lavandulifolia belongs to the Laminacea family and its hydroalcoholic extract is used as a traditional treatment to reduce pain and inflammation. The present study was conducted to examine the effect of aqueous phase and hydroalcoholic extract of Stachys lavandulifolia on the expression changes of vascular endothelial growth factor gene (VEGF) and angiogenesis of chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane.

Methods: In this study, 40 Ross fertilized eggs were randomly divided into control, sham and two experimental groups of treatment with aqueous phase and treatment with hydroalcoholic extract. On the 2nd day of incubation a window was opened on the eggs; on the 8th day a gelatin sponge of 1×4×4 diameter was put on the chorioallantoic membrane, and 75 mg/kg of each extract was added. On the 12th day, the height and weight of the embryos were measured, their blood vessel network was photographed by a stereomicroscope and the number and length of vessels around the sponges were measured via applying image J software. The VEGF Gene was sampled. Results were analyzed by Minitab software using t-test and ANOVA at a significance level of P<0.05.

Results: The mean of the data showed no significant difference between control and sham groups (P>0.05). The mean number of vessels in the experimental group 1 (aqueous phase) had a significant reduction (P≤0.05), while the experimental group 2 (hydroalcoholic extract) showed no significant difference. Gene VEGF expression in the experimental groups increased compared to the sham group.

Conclusion: The aqueous phase of Stachys lavandulifolia has anti-angiogenic effects, which appears to work through affecting VEGF receptors.