Effect of Moringa oleifera feed inclusion on nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertension in a murine model.

Moringa oleifera (MO) has been recognized for its numerous beneficial properties. This study aimed to evaluate the potential antihypertensive effects of MO seeds in rats subjected to Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) exposure. Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of 10 rats each for the experiment. Group A served as the control, received normal saline only, Group B received L-NAME (40 mg/kg) only, Group C received L-NAME (40 mg/kg) + 10% MO feed, Group D received L-NAME (40 mg/kg) + 20% MO feed, and Group E received L-NAME (40 mg/kg) + Lisinopril (10 mg/kg). Treatment was daily and covered a period of 5 weeks. Blood pressure and electrocardiographic measurements were obtained using a non-invasive tail cuff blood pressure device and a 6/7 lead computer ECG equipment, respectively. Heart and kidney tissues were analyzed for oxidative stress parameters, and immunohistochemistry and histopathology of the heart and kidney were conducted using standard methods. L-NAME treatment led to a significant increase in diastolic and systolic values compared to the control group. Serum nitric oxide concentration significantly decreased in rats that received L-NAME alone, while co-treatment with MO and Lisinopril showed a significant increase in nitric oxide levels. Co-treatment with MO and Lisinopril significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in the cardiac and renal tissues, whereas L-NAME alone caused a significant increase in MDA concentration. The expressions of cardiac and renal caspase-3 significantly increased in L-NAME alone treated rats, while co-treatments with MO and Lisinopril significantly reduced the expressions of caspase-3. In conclusion, co-treatment with MO effectively reduced arterial pressure and indices of hypertension in rats, mitigated the oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by L-NAME. Therefore, the inclusion of MO seeds in hypertension management may serve as an effective remedy. Keywords: Moringa oliefera, L-NAME, Hypertension, Oxidative Stress, Nitric oxide.