Pharmacological evaluation of Kigelia pinnata root bark ethanolic extract in DOCA salt-induced hypertension in experimental rats

Hypertension is the most prevalent chronic disease worldwide, yet the precise causes of elevated blood pressure often cannot be determined. Researchers have relied on animal models to better understand the mechanisms underlying hypertension and evaluate innovative therapeutic approaches. One such model is the deoxycorticosterone (DOCA)-salt model, which highlights the role of deoxycorticosterone, a hormone exhibiting both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid properties. Notably, its propensity to induce sodium retention is pivotal in this model. In the study, rats were administered injections of 20 mg/kg subcutaneously (s.c.) of deoxycorticosterone-acetate in olive oil twice weekly over four weeks, while their drinking water was replaced with a 1% NaCl solution. Blood pressure began to rise after one week, ultimately reaching systolic levels between 160 and 180 mm Hg by the end of the four weeks. Importantly, supplementation with ethanolic extract from the root bark of Kigelia pinnata led to a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in rats suffering from DOCA-salt-induced hypertension. Additionally, this extract notably decreased the elevated heart rate observed in these hypertensive rats. These findings suggest that Kigelia pinnata may have therapeutic potential in managing hypertension. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential clinical applications of this natural extract in hypertensive patients.