The effect of hydro-alcoholic celery (Apium graveolens) leaf extract on cardiovascular parameters and lipid profile in animal model of hypertension induced by fructose

Hypertension is one of the most common diseases of the modern era. This study evaluates the effect of hydro-alcoholic celery leaf extract onsystolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR) and lipid profile in animals’ model of hypertension induced by fructose. Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: 1) control group (free access to tap drinking water), 2) group receiving 200mg/kg celery leaf extract, 3) group receiving fructose 10%, and 4,5) receiving fructose and 100mg/kg or 200mg/kg of extract (n=8). In all groups, before and during the test period, SBP and HR were measured by Power lab system. Lipid profiles were determined by auto analysis. Repeated measurement and one way ANOVA were used for data analysis. The SBP in the fructose group significantly increased compared to control group (P<0.01). SBP, in groups receiving fructose+100mg/kg extract, fructose and receiving 200mg/kg extract, and receiving 200mg/kg of extract, compared to fructose group significantly decreased. Heart rate in any of these groups showed no significant difference. Cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL in the fructose group significantly increased; however, these effects significantly decreased in the recipient extract groups. HDL levels in the fructose group showed no difference while in the groups receiving the extract they significantly increased. Celery leaf extract reduces SBP, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL in animal model of fructose-induced hypertension. In conclusion, celery leaf extract with its blood pressure and lipid lowering effects, can be considered as an antihypertensive agent in chronic treatment of elevated SBP.