This study evaluates the hypotensive properties and the mechanism of action of the aqueous leaf extract of Leonotis Leonurus in anesthetized male Wistar rats, using computerized blood pressure recording system. The effect of aqueous leaf extract of L. leonurus on the blood pressure was investigated by infusing intravenous doses of 200 mg/kg to 1g/kg into anesthetized rats. Its underlying blood pressure lowering mechanism was also studied by challenging the parasympathetic, sympathetic and muscarinic systems of anesthetized rats by pretreating with, dobutamine, atenolol, and atropine. Pretreating the animals with reserpine and L. leonurus was also employed in order to challenge the adrenal system of rats. The results showed that the aqueous leaf extract of Leonotis leonurus produces a dose dependent fall in the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate of the rats. This effect on heart rate may suggest the involvement of - adrenergic receptors in the cardiac effect of L. leonurus.

The effect of industrialisation has thrust the pharmaceutical profession into a clinical paradigm where the approach to pharmaceutical decisions is more disease and patient orientated. Consequently, South African community pharmacies are inundated with requests from the public for advice and treatment on a wide range of medical conditions, including sexually transmitted infections (STI's). Although community pharmacies are often the first port of call for undiagnosed STI, limited diagnostic skills and legally-imposed prescribing restrictions preclude pharmacists from providing the necessary clinical management. This book presents objective arguments and evidences (new and existing) around an expanded role for pharmacists in STI partner management.