Ameliorative effects of Moringa oleifera (MO) seeds on L‐NAME‐induced hypertension in rats

Cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, have been recognized as leading causes of death worldwide. In this study we investigated the effect of Moringa oleifera on L‐NAME induced hypertension in rats. Fifty (50) Wistar albino rats were grouped into five groups. Group A, the control, was administered water only. Groups B‐E received orally, 40 mg/kg of L‐NAME only, 40 mg/kg of L‐NAME and 10% MO feed inclusion, 40 mg/kg of L‐NAME and 20% MO feed inclusion, and 40 mg/kg of L‐NAME and 10 mg/kg of lisinopril, respectively for 35 days. Treatment with L‐NAME caused a significant (p< 0.05) reduction in Nitric oxide concentration as well as an increase in blood pressure measurements when compared with the control. These were however ameliorated by the administration of MO seeds and lisinopril. Markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and Hydrogen peroxide) increased significantly (p<0.05) in the group treated with L‐NAME alone while the administration of MO seeds and lisinopril caused a significant decrease in their values when compared with the controls. Also, the administration of L‐NAME caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the activities of enzymic antioxidants (Glutathione peroxidase and Glutathione‐S‐transferase) while there was reduction in the levels of reduced glutathione level as well as activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione‐S‐transferase when compared with the control. These were however significantly (p<0.05) ameliorated by the administration of MO seeds and lisinopril. Taken together, Moringa oleifera seed inclusion in the feed of rats ameliorated L‐NAME induced hypertension by improving Nitric oxide bioavailability as well as its antioxidant activities Support or Funding Information None