Antihypertensive Effects of Pandiaka heudelotii Leaf Extract in L-NAME-Induced Hypertensive Wistar Rats: A Biochemical Evaluation

Ekomobong Afia, Maxwell Nwegbu, Bassey Inyang, Kenneth Nwachukwu, Lukman Alli and Michael Okoh

Background and Objective: Pandiaka heudelotii is widely used in traditional medicine across Sub-Sahara Africa for managing hypertension; however, its pharmacological efficacy remains inadequately substantiated. This study investigated the antihypertensive effects of the methanolic leaf extract of Pandiaka heudelotii (PHE) in L-NAME-induced hypertensive Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: The study used Thirty (30) adult Wistar rats with L-NAME-induced hypertension were randomly assigned to receive either placebo, L-NAME alone, graded doses of methanol leaf extract of Pandiaka heudelotii (PHE), or the standard drug captopril. Treatments were administered for 21 days and key outcomes are as presented. Blood pressure was monitored weekly, while plasma lipids, electrolytes, liver enzymes and kidney biomarkers were assessed at the end of the study. Results: The PHE administration resulted in a significant, dose-dependent reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to the negative control group. Additionally, treatment with PHE improved lipid profile, normalized liver enzyme activities and restored electrolyte balance, with the most pronounced effects observed at 500 mg/kg. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that Pandiaka heudelotii possesses significant antihypertensive and biochemical modulatory properties, thereby providing scientific support for its traditional use in hypertension management.

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