Study of the Antihypertensive Effect of Laurus nobilis in Rats

Aims: The study aimed to study the antihypertensive activity of Laurus nobilis. Background: Laurus nobilis L. is used to treat hypertension in Morocco. Objective: The study was designed to investigate the effect of the aqueous extract leaves of Laurus nobilis (AELN) on blood pressure. Materials and Methods: The antihypertensive and vasorelaxant activities of AELN were pharmacologically investigated in normotensive and L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Thereafter, blood pressure was evaluated, and the ex-vivo vasorelaxant activity of this extract was performed. Results: A considerable decrease in blood pressure parameters were observed in L-NAMEinduced hypertensive rats treated with AELN. The extract induced a vasorelaxant effect on the aorta precontracted with epinephrine or KCl by inhibiting extracellular Ca2+ entry. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that Laurus nobilis aqueous extract exhibits potent antihypertensive and vasorelaxant activities via inhibiting Ca²⁺ entry.