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

Introduction: The present study aimed at investigating the effect of 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.

Materials And Methods: 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 fruit-supplemented diet and sildenafil citrate for 21 days. The blood pressure was measured and cardiac homogenate was prepared for biochemical analyses.

Results: The results showed that L-NAME caused a significant ( < 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 HS levels as well as increased oxidative stress biomarkers. However, treatment with fruits-supplemented diets and sildenafil citrate lowered blood pressure and modulated ACE, arginase, and PDE-5 activity, improved NO and HS levels, as well as antioxidant status.

Conclusion: Findings presented in this study provide useful information on the antihypertensive property of fruits, alongside some possible mechanisms. Hence, fruits could be considered a dietary regimen and functional food in alleviating hypertension.