Abstract
Rumex dentatus has been used traditionally for ailment of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to assess cardiovascular effects in isolated perfused rabbit heart. Aqueous and n-butanolic fractions were assessed for their effect on perfusion pressure (PP), force of contraction (FC) and heart rate (HR) of rabbit heart using Langendorff's method. The possible mechanisms of action of extracts/fraction were assessed with and without application of different agonist/antagonist. Phytochemical, toxicity and anti-oxidant activities were also determined. Both extracts at 1mg/mL dose produced a highly significant decrease in FC and HR but PP remained unchanged. Moreover, aqueous fraction of Rumex dentatus at 0.001mg/mL dose produced a highly significant decrease in FC and HR but no significant change in PP was observed. Atropine 10
M did not inhibit the cardiac depressant response of both fractions. Furthermore, both fractions blocked the positive ionotropic and chronotropic effects of adrenaline and calcium chloride. Phytochemical studies have shown the presence of some phytochemicals. Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies demonstrated that test extracts are safe and produced no significant changes in haematological and biochemical parameters. Crude extract showed significant antioxidant activity like ascorbic acid. This study revealed that this plant have good cardiac depressant effect.