Evaluation of Antihypertensive efficacy of Trapa natans Peel extract in Fructose Induced Hypertension

Cardiovascular illness is one of the core reasons of fatality worldwide. Hypertension affects more than 1.3 billion people globally and is the most common underlying cause for cardiovascular disease and mortality. The main objective of this study was to explore the effect of methanolic extract of Trapa natans peel on fructose induced hypertension in rat model. The experiment included Wistar albino rats (n=24) weighing (150-180gram), including negative control group (n=6) which was fed with standard chow diet, while the rest of rats (n=18) fed with 10% fructose daily for 6 weeks. After the confirmation of hypertension, rats were classified into three groups, positive control group (hypertensive rats), standard group (treated with Amlodipine (5mg/kg/bwt) and treatment group methanolic extract of Trapa natans peel 200mg/kg orally) daily for two weeks. Decapitation was performed on 7th and 14th day of treatment to collect blood samples for serum biochemical analysis (oxidative stress markers, liver profile, lipid profile, electrolytes and RFTs) and tissues of heart, kidney and aorta for histological examination. The heart tissues were used for gene expression of the ACE, iNOS, eNOS, COX2 and NFkB through qRT- PCR. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) 171mmHg was significantly (P≤0.05) decreased to 130mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 120mmHg was significantly (P≤0.05) decreased to 84mmHg in treatment group in comparison to positive control group. The total oxidant status, serum malondialdehyde, low-density lipoproteins, serum triglycerides, serum cholesterol, AST, ALT, serum uric acid, creatinine, serum sodium level and heart rate were decreased significantly (P≤0.05) in treatment group in comparison to positive control group. While there was significant (P≤0.05) increase in total antioxidant capacity, high-density lipoproteins and serum potassium level as compared to positive control. Histological and ECG changes confirm the significant improvement in heart rate and resorting the myocardial alterations. The current study showed promising protective efficacy of Trapa natans peel by improving the structural changes in cardiomyocyte due to its significant antihypertensive potential.