Effects of Parkia biglobosa Pulp Powder Consumption on Induced Hypertension in Male Rats

Abstract

Hypertension is associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and metabolic disturbances. This study evaluated the effects of Parkia biglobosa pulp powder on blood pressure, haematological, biochemical and histological parameters in male Wistar rats with induced hypertension. Sixteen rats were allocated to four experimental groups. Following hypertension induction, the experimental treatment was administered orally for 28 days. The pulp was characterized for phytochemical composition and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. It contained polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins and sterols, and showed antioxidant activity of 83.16% and anti-inflammatory activity of 40.38%. In the pulp-treated group, systolic blood pressure decreased from 144 ± 3 to 134 ± 2.67 mmHg, while diastolic blood pressure decreased from 114.33 ± 17.56 to 88.53 ± 4 mmHg after four weeks. Triglyceride and total cholesterol concentrations were lowest in the treated group, while creatinine and urea values did not indicate deterioration in renal function. Erythrocyte indices remained broadly comparable among groups, although platelet-related parameters were lower in the pulp-treated group. Histological examination showed preserved cardiac, hepatic and renal architecture without major lesions. However, CK-MB activity was higher in treated rats than in the other experimental groups. Overall, P. biglobosa pulp was associated with improved blood-pressure and selected metabolic outcomes in this experimental model, but the biochemical findings warrant cautious interpretation. Larger studies incorporating direct oxidative-stress, inflammatory, endothelial and cardiac injury markers are required to clarify efficacy, safety and mechanisms.