Antioxidant-rich Terminalia catappa fruit exerts antihypertensive effect via modulation of angiotensin-1-converting enzyme activity and H2S/NO/cGMP signalling pathway in Wistar rats

• Published in: Biomarkers Vol. 28; no. 5; pp. 416 - 426
• Main Authors: Adebayo, Adeniyi A., Ademosun, Ayokunle O., Adedayo, Bukola C., Oboh, Ganiyu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 04-07-2023
• Subjects: Hypertension; NO/cGMP signalling pathway; sildenafil citrate; Terminalia catappa fruits
• ISSN: 1354-750X; 1366-5804
• DOI: 10.1080/1354750X.2023.2198680

The present study aimed at investigating the effect of Terminalia catappa fruits on blood pressure, NO/cGMP signalling pathway, angiotensin-1-converting enzyme and arginase activity, and oxidative stress biomarkers in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats.
Forty-two Wistar rats were divided into seven groups. Hypertension was induced via oral administration of 40 mg/kg of L-NAME for 21 days. Thereafter, the hypertensive rats were treated with Terminalia catappa fruit-supplemented diet and sildenafil citrate for 21 days. The blood pressure was measured and cardiac homogenate was prepared for biochemical analyses.
The results showed that L-NAME caused a significant (p < 0.05) increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate as well as ACE, arginase and PDE-5 activity, with a simultaneous decrease in NO and H
2
S levels as well as increased oxidative stress biomarkers. However, treatment with Terminalia catappa fruits-supplemented diets and sildenafil citrate lowered blood pressure and modulated ACE, arginase, and PDE-5 activity, improved NO and H
2
S levels, as well as antioxidant status.
Findings presented in this study provide useful information on the antihypertensive property of Terminalia catappa fruits, alongside some possible mechanisms. Hence, Terminalia catappa fruits could be considered a dietary regimen and functional food in alleviating hypertension.