The Effect of Intraperitoneal Injection of Achillea millefolium Extract on Echocardiographic Parameters and Hepatic and Renal Blood Factors in Male New Zealand White Rabbits

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Radiology, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Radiology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran

3 Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

4 Department of Pharmacology, Karaj branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran

Abstract

The Achillea millefolium has a long history of use in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, including heart conditions. This study aimed to examine the effects of hydroalcoholic extract from Achillea millefolium on echocardiographic parameters, as well as liver and kidney enzyme activities. Fifteen healthy male New Zealand white rabbits, weighing between 4 and 5 kg, were selected and divided into three groups. The first group received a 100 mg/kg dose of yarrow extract, the second group received 200 mg/kg, and the third group received 400 mg/kg, intraperitoneally. Echocardiography was conducted prior to extract administration and again 120 minutes’ post-administration to assess 14 cardiographic indices, such as shortening fraction (FS) and ejection fraction (EF). Additionally, liver and kidney enzymes were measured to evaluate potential pathological effects, and toxicity was assessed using the MTT method on Vero cell cultures. The hydroalcoholic extract of yarrow significantly increased FS, EF, and stroke volume (SV) indices in all groups. Moreover, it significantly decreased end-systolic volume (ESV) and left ventricular dimensions in systole (LVDs) in the second and third groups (P≤0.05). The extract did not induce any detrimental effects on liver or kidney tissues and exhibited no cytotoxicity in the MTT cell culture test. Findings from this study highlight the positive inotropic effects of yarrow hydroalcoholic extract and its ability to enhance cardiac systolic function. With no observed toxicity on eukaryotic cells, these results support its potential use in treating heart diseases. However, further extensive pharmacological research is necessary to confirm its therapeutic efficacy.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Veterinary and Comparative Biomedical Research
Volume 3, Issue 2
June 2026
Pages 71-77

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