Effect of pro-antiarrhythmic elholtzia ciliata essential oil on blood parameters in swine

Abstract

Introduction: In Western society, the cardiovascular disease is increasing every year, the need for the development of new pharmaceuticals is growing. The newly discovered substances appear to have many side effects and even cause mortality [1]. Herbal extracts are becoming very popular and it is estimated that countries e.g. Germany, France never abandoned herbal medicine [2]. Interest in medicinal plants that have antibacterial properties is also growing strongly [3], therefore scientific and business companies are greatly interested in the use of it [4]. An annual plant Elsholtzia ciliata (EC) essential oil possess antiarrhythmic [5], antiviral [6] and antibacterial [7] properties. Aim: Evaluate the effect of Elsholtzia ciliata essential oil on swine blood parameters. Methods: eight Lithuanian local breed pigs weighted 32 ± 1.9 kg were used in following experiments, during procedure animals were unconscious under general anaesthesia. All experiments were performed according to the European Community guiding principles and permitted by responsible authorities. The test substance using same dose 30 μg/kg was injected into ear vein. Blood samples for blood haematology and blood gas and biochemistry analysis, were taken from common jugular in this order: T0 – control value, T1, T5, T30 – number indicates minutes after injection. Results: The hematological parameters of the control and other time points after E. ciliata essential oil were analysed. The WBC decreased significantly (p < 0.05) one minute after injection, followed by growth, at T30 WBC count was insignificantly lower than the control measurement. The significant decrease in PLT also observed at the T1 time point, at T30 measures were cloe to control values. After EC injection potassium increases insignificantly at T1, therefore its value decrease significantly (p < 0.05) at T5 ant T30. Other blood mineral parameters changes insignificantly after EC injection. It can be concluded that there is no significant change in the swine blood composition after EC injection.