Abstract

Background:
Spirulina platensis is a blue-green microalga known for its health benefits, including treating cardiovascular disease. However, research on the functional properties of S. platensis extracted via sonication remains limited.

Aim:
To investigate the efficacy of S. platensis hydromethanolic extract (SPE) on controlling blood pressure, renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system hormones, including renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and angiotensin II (Ang II), and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) model.

Methods:
Twenty-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 5), and the 20 rats were administered deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt for 5 weeks to induce SHR and treated orally with SPE for 28 days. Blood pressure was evaluated three times: initial, middle, and final treatment. The rats were then sacrificed, and the blood serum was collected. The serum was then analyzed for renin, Ang II, ACE, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin (IL)-6 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Malondialdehyde was determined based on a colorimetric assay.

Results:
Our results demonstrated that SPE could reduce hypertensive, inflammatory, and lipid peroxidation markers significantly (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Our finding suggested that SPE improves hypertension by maintaining inflammation and antioxidants. Spirulina platensis may be regarded as a potential nutraceutical supplement S. platensis may be regarded as a potential nutraceutical supplement from fishery product for managing hypertension and other diseases associated with inflammation disturbances.

Key words: Angiotensin II; Angiotensin-converting enzyme; Hypertension; Renin; Spirulina platensis.