Abstract

Background: Cardiac oxidative stress is associated with hypertension induced by fructose, and studies have documented the antioxidant activities of Tridax procumbens (TP). However, data on the impact of TP on fructose-induced hypertension are scarce. Therefore, the effect of the ethanol extract of TP leaf (ELETP) was studied. Methods: Thirty-five male Wistar rats (200 – 250 g) were grouped into 5 as I-V (n=7). Group I was the control, while hypertension was induced in groups II-V by drinking 10% fructose for 3 weeks. Thereafter, they were orally administered normal saline, 100mg/kg ELETP, 400 mg/kg ELETP, and a combination of 10 mg/kg Propranolol and 0.5 mg/kg of Prazosin, respectively, for another 4 weeks while still on fructose solution. Blood Pressure Variables [Systolic (SBP), Diastolic (DBP), Mean Arterial (MABP)] and Heart Rate (HR) were determined at the 3rd and 7th week non-invasively. Lipid profile and oxidative stress biomarkers [Malondialdehyde, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Catalase activities] in the plasma and cardiac tissue were determined at the end of the 7th week. Results: Group II had elevated SBP, DBP, MABP, and HR compared with the control, and these were reversed in Groups III-V. Elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels induced by high-dose fructose were notably reduced after ELETP treatment. Cardiac Malondialdehyde levels increased while catalase activity decreased in II and reversed in III-V. Activity of SOD in the cardiac tissue was not different in II and III, while it increased in IV and V compared with I. Conclusion: Tridax procumbens mitigates fructose-induced hypertension, possibly through its antioxidant properties.

Key words: Tridax procumbens, Fructose, Hypertension, Oxidative stress, Lipid profile