Functional crackers from tiger nut, unripe plantain, and sorghum flours improve vascular and sexual health in hypertensive rats

BackgroundHypertension, erectile dysfunction, and dyslipidemia are interrelated conditions strongly driven by poor dietary habits dominated by refined carbohydrate snacks and high-fat fast foods.AimThis study investigated the potential of functional crackers formulated from tiger nut, unripe plantain, and sorghum flours to ameliorate N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester and high-fat diet-induced hypertension and erectile dysfunction in Wistar rats.MethodsComposite crackers were prepared in different proportions and evaluated for effects on blood pressure, sexual behavior, lipid profile, nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, and key enzymes linked to vasodilation including angiotensin-1 converting enzyme (ACE), phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5), and arginase in the kidney, penile, and heart tissues.SummaryFunctional crackers, particularly the 50% tiger nut + 25% unripe plantain + 25% sorghum formulation, significantly lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure, improved sexual performance, and corrected dyslipidemia. The functional crackers enhanced NO production and modulated ACE, PDE-5, and arginase. The functional crackers were also richer in polyphenols and potassium but lower in sodium than conventional crackers. These findings highlight composite functional crackers as a promising, food-based strategy for managing hypertension and erectile dysfunction.