Effect of Citrus paradisi and Ocimum sanctum Infusions on Blood Pressure Regulation and Its Association with Renal Alterations in Obese Rats

This study aimed to evaluate the antihypertensive effect of Citrus paradisi and Ocimum sanctum infusions in obese rats, and its association with renal alterations. Both herbal infusions decreased blood pressure. The effect of O.sanctum was related to improved renal vascular remodeling, renin and angiotensinogen gene downregulation, as well as reduced renal triglyceride accumulation, and lipid and protein oxidation. Hibiscus sabdariffa showed similar results, which was used for comparison purposes due to its antihypertensive properties. Conversely, C.paradisi exerted a slight effect on these renal alterations, suggesting that its antihypertensive activity may be related to other mechanisms. The hypotensive effects of O.sanctum and C.paradisi may be related to their epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin content, respectively. Furthermore, new phytochemicals were identified in the infusions, such as hederagenin and oleanolic acid -D-glucuronopyranosyl, choline, trigonelline and sitsirikine. The results suggest that these infusions might be used as adjuvant treatments for obesity-related hypertension. Practical ApplicationsOcimum sanctum leaves and flowers and Citrus paradisi fruit are widely recommended in the traditional medicine due to their hypotensive properties. In this study, we evaluated the antihypertensive potential of infusions elaborated with these herbal materials, which are inexpensive beverages of easy preparation. The findings of this study demonstrate that O.sanctum and C.paradisi infusions decrease blood pressure. Therefore, these herbs could be used as functional ingredients in the elaboration of beverages, providing a new therapeutic approach for obesity-related hypertension.