Pharmacological Activities of Vernonia glabra

Abstract

A 70% methanol aerial part extract of Vernonia glabra caused a fall in blood pressure in anaesthetised rats. After the 50 µg dose, systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures decreased by 56%, 66%, and 61% respectively below the baseline levels. The adrenaline-like activity of the extract was not antagonised by L(-) propranolol on isolated rabbit heart. The extract caused contraction on the isolated rabbit ileum and was abolished with atropine, suggesting the presence of a compound with acetylcholine-like activity. The extract on isolated guinea pig ileum caused contraction which was dose related.