Biochemical Markers and Hypertension Management in Salt-Loading Wistar Rats Model: Modulatory Effects of Selected Phytochemicals

Abstract Background Hypertension involves complex biochemical disturbances that extend beyond elevated blood pressure. Salt-loading in rodents is a reliable model that reproduces dyslipidemia, electrolyte imbalance, renal impairment, and hepatic stress. Plant-derived phytochemicals with antioxidant and cardioprotective properties are being explored as potential adjuncts to standard therapy. Objective This study examined the effects of salt-loading on biochemical markers of hypertension in Wistar rats and evaluated the modulatory effects of Euphorbia hirta and Leptadenia hastata extracts at two dose levels compared to amlodipine. Methods Forty adult Wistar rats were allocated into eight groups (n = 5 per group). Hypertension was induced by 8% NaCl chow for six weeks. Groups 3–6 received low (100 mg/kg) or high (200 mg/kg) doses of E. hirta or L. hastata extracts from weeks 3–6, while Group 7 received amlodipine (5 mg/kg). Blood pressure and body weight were monitored weekly. At the end of the study, serum lipid profile, electrolytes, renal and hepatic function indices, and fasting glucose were assessed. Results The study found out that a high-salt diet had significant negative effects on various health markers, including a substantial increase in systolic blood pressure to 158.4 mmHg, worsening cholesterol levels with LDL cholesterol rising to 146.3 mg/dL and HDL cholesterol decreasing to 32.8 mg/dL, and a spikes in triglycerides to 189.6 mg/dL, sodium to 149.2 mmol/L, creatinine to 1.42 mg/dL indicating potential kidney strain, and liver enzymes levels with ALT rising to 62.5 U/L. However, high doses of E. hirta and L. hastata had positive effects, lowering systolic blood pressure to around 123–125 mmHg, improving cholesterol levels with LDL cholesterol dropping to around 102–106 mg/dL, normalizing potassium levels, and reducing creatinine levels to 1.02 mg/dL suggesting improved kidney function, with effects comparable to the medication amlodipine. Conclusion Salt-loading induced hypertension reproduced characteristic biochemical disturbances. Euphorbia hirta and Leptadenia hastata extracts, particularly at higher doses, significantly ameliorated these abnormalities in a manner comparable to amlodipine, suggesting strong translational potential as adjunct therapies.