Moringa seed-supplemented diets modulate ACE activity but not its gene expression in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats

Abstract

Introduction

We investigated the effect of dietary inclusions of Moringa seed (5% and 10%) on blood pressure, angiotensin-1 converting enzyme (ACE) activity, and gene expression, as well as redox status in hypertensive rats.

Material and methods

Wistar strain albino rats were fed moringa seed-based diets for two weeks prior L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day, p.o.) administration for another ten days. Subsequently, the blood pressure was monitored. Furthermore, the kidney homogenates were assayed for ACE activity and gene expression, as well as oxidative stress markers.

Results

The increased (systolic = 297 ± 59.30 mmHg; diastolic= 242 ± 51.96 mmHg) blood pressure, arginase activity, and reduced nitric oxide level were significantly ameliorated in hypertensive rats treated with the seed. However, the elevated ACE activity was significantly reduced but not the upregulated ACE1 gene. Also, the reduced antioxidant enzyme activities were ameliorated with a significant downregulation in their regulator-Nrf2. Rutin (4.07 ± 0.02 mg/g) and quercitrin (4.06 ± 0.01 mg/g), among others, were found in the seed.

Discussion

This study suggests that moringa seed offers its antihypertensive properties by acting as an ACE inhibitor but not its gene modulator, and also modulates the antioxidant system through interaction with Nrf2.

Conclusion

Moringa seed could act as an ACE inhibitor and not its gene modulator.

Keywords:

• Antihypertensive agent
• functional foods
• renin-angiotensin system
• phenolics
• RT-qPCR

Acknowledgment

The authors are grateful to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH) for their financial support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability

Data associated with this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This research is funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH) grant-3.4-8151/20 004 awarded to the first author.