Background: Anti-hypertensive potentials of Tridax procumbens have been documented ex vivo. There is, however, a dearth of information on its effect in hypertensive rats. Therefore, the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Tridax procumbens (AETP) was investigated in Deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)- induced hypertension in male Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats (150-180g) divided into 5 groups were used. Group 1 was the control while groups 2-5 were DOCA-induced hypertensive rats. After the establishment of hypertension, group 2 received distilled water while groups 3, 4 and 5 were treated with 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg of AETP and 20mg/kg of lisinopril, respectively for 2 weeks. Body weight, cardiovascular variables and urine output were monitored weekly. Urinary electrolyte concentrations were determined and the kidney was obtained for histological assessment. Diuretic and saluretic activities were calculated using standard methods. Results: Systolic blood pressure (158.2±3.31 mmHg) and HR (373.5±4.34 bpm) were significantly increased in group 2 when compared with the control (SBP=120.8±1.36 mmHg and HR=307.6±2.5 bpm). The increased SBP and HR were significantly decreased in groups 3 (135.4±1.17 mmHg, 343.6±2.84 bpm), 4 (128.2±1.32 mmHg, 331.8±2.87 bpm) and 5 (129±2.41mmHg, 326±3.62 bpm) when compared with group 2. Increased urinary output, diuretic activities and saluretic activities were observed in group 3-5 when compared with group 2. Histological examination of the kidney showed extensive tissue injury in group 2 and treatments in group 3-5 ameliorated the tissue injury. Conclusions: Aqueous leaf extract of Tridax procumbens reduces DOCA-induced hypertension through mechanisms that may promote diuretic and saluretic activities in male Wistar rats.
Key words: Deoxycorticosterone acetate, Diuresis, Hypertension, Natriuresis, Tridax procumbens
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