Antihypertensive activity of Beta vulgaris on dexamethasone induced hypertension in rats

Objective : Investigation of methanolic extract for detecting the presence of Betanin by phytochemical   analysis, to induce experimental hypertension and to carry out measurement of BP by invasive (direct) method (IBP) and vascular reactivity to various catecholamines after completion of treatment schedule. Methods: The animals were divided into six main groups. Each group contains 5 animals. Group I received vehicle , group  II received dexamethasone injection (20 µg/kg/day, s.c.) for 14 days , group III received  extract of Beta vulgaris (100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 14  days , group IV received extract of Beta vulgaris (300 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 14 days , group V received dexamethasone injection (20 ug/kg/day, s.c.) and extract  of  Beta  vulgaris (100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 14 days and group VI received dexamethasone (DEXA) injection (20 µg/kg/day, s.c.) and extract of  Beta vulgaris (300 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 14 days. After 14 days of dosing period body weight, ECG and changes in vascular reactivity to various catecholamines were recorded using Powerlab 4SP (AD Instrument, Australia). Results : Animals treated with dexamethasone along with Beta vulgaris (100 and 300 mg/kg p.o. for 14 days)   showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in heart rate compared to Dexamethasone treated group. Dexamethasone administered rats showed a significant elevation (p<0.05) in systolic blood pressure (SBP), vascular reactivity changes to Catecholamine as compared to control group . Beta vulgaris extract (100, 300 mg/kg/day, p.o.) treatment for 14 days  in  dexamethasone administered  rats significantly (p<0.05) reduced systolic blood pressure, vascular reactivity changes to catecholamines as compared to dexamethasone administered group. Conclusions : The methanolic-HCl extract of Beta vulgaris has antihypertensive activity in dexamethasone model.