Hesperidin improves physiological outcomes in an arginine vasopressin rat model of pre‐eclampsia

Abstract Background Hesperidin, a flavanone commonly found in citrus fruits and herbal formulations, has emerged as a potential new therapeutic agent for modulating several diseases. Since pre‐eclampsia is a growing public health threat, it may negatively impact the economy and increase the disease burden of South Africa. Phytocompounds are easily accessible, demonstrate minimal side effects, and may confer novel medicinal options as a treatment and preventive preference. Objective To investigate the physiological, biochemical, and hematological outcomes of hesperidin in an arginine vasopressin (AVP)‐induced rodent model of pre‐eclampsia. Methods Female Sprague–Dawley rats were surgically implanted with mini‐osmotic pumps to deliver AVP (200 ng/h) subcutaneously. Animals were treated with hesperidin at 200 mg/kg.b.w via oral gavage for 14 days. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured on GD 7, 14, and 18 using a non‐invasive tail‐cuff method and were euthanized on GD 21. Results The findings showed that hesperidin administration significantly decreased blood pressure ( P < 0.05 ) and urinary protein levels in pregnant rats ( P < 0.001 ). Placental and individual pup weight also increased significantly in the pregnant hesperidin‐treated groups compared to AVP untreated groups ( P < 0.001 ). Biochemical and hematological markers such as white blood cell count and lymphocyte levels differed significantly ( P < 0.05 ) in AVP groups treated with and without hesperidin. Conclusion Our results suggest that hesperidin is an antihypertensive agent with modes of action associated with its diuretic and blood pressure lowering effects and reduction of proteinuria in AVP‐induced pre‐eclamptic rats.