Effect of aqueous leaf extract of Senna occidentalis (Fabaceae) on induced arrhythmia in Rabbits

Côte d’Ivoire, the leaves of Senna occidentalis (Fabaceae) are widely used to treat palpitations and chest pain. Cardiac arrhythmias are considered a serious pathology and present more frequently in the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiarrhythmic effect of an aqueous extract of Senna occidentalis (EASo) leaves (Fabaceae) in rabbits. Phytochemical screening is carried out to highlight the major chemical groups. The armpits of the two forelimbs and the groins of the two hind limbs of anaesthetized rabbits are shaved and cleaned with alcohol, then induced with a conductive gel. Four electrodes are attached to the armpits and groin respectively. The electrodes attached to the animal are each connected to the cable corresponding to the appropriate limb, and the various cardiogram parameters: speed (25 mm/s), leads, filter and amplification are set. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of sterols, polyterpenes, polyphenols, saponosides, quinone compounds, alkaloids and gall tannins. In the present study, dose-responses ranging from 10-3, 5.10-3, 5.10-2 and 10-1 mg/kg bw had no significant effect on heart rate. On the other hand, KCl, at a dose of 10-3 mg/kg bw, causes a cardiac arrhythmia which is regulated to normal by a dose of 10-2mg/kg bw of EASo. Thus, KCl has no effect on the ECG of EASo-pretreated rabbits. The effect of EASo on the ECG in rabbits can be attributed to the secondary metabolists it contains, which justifies the use of Senna occidentalis (Fabaceae) in traditional medicine against cardiac pathologies.