A possible reflex mechanism of hypotensive action of extract from Cassia tora seeds

The Chinese medicinal herb Chueh-ming-tzu, seeds of Cassia tora (Leguminosae) Linn., elicits hypotensive effects in anesthetized rats. Experimental results indicate that the hypotensive effect of the Cassia tora extract possibly involves a vagal reflex which reciprocally alters the vasomotor tone of the centrally emanating sympathetic nervous system. It is shown that the capacity of the Cassia tora extract to reduce blood pressure is significantly reduced in vagotomized rats and that hypotensive effects are greatly antagonized in rats whose sympathetic nervous systems are interrupted by transection of the spinal cord.