Assessment of the adrenergic beta-blocking activity of Inula racemosa

Inula racemosa root powder was investigated in patients with proven ischaemic heart disease. The powder prevented ST-segment depression and T-wave inversion as observed in the post-exercise electrocardiogram. The petroleum ether extract of roots lowered plasma insulin and glucose levels within 75 min of oral administration to albino rats and it significantly counteracted adrenaline-induced hyperglycaemia in rats. The extract further showed negative inotropic and negative chronotropic effects on frog heart. All these findings indicate that one of the constituents of Inula racemosa may have adrenergic beta-blocking activity.