Effect of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Noni (Morinda Citrifolia L.) on Blood Pressure in Ovariectomized Rats Fed With High-Fat Diet

Abstract

Menopause has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) complications including hypertension, and stroke. Oestrogen withdrawal and consumption of high-fat diet have been related to detrimental effects on cardiovascular function and blood pressure in menopausal women. Hence, the present study was aimed to investigate the effect of Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) on blood pressure in menopausal rat model fed with high-fat diet. Twenty four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups; Group 1: Sham control (Sham); Group 2: ovariectomized rats fed with 2% cholesterol diet (Ovx control); Group 3: ovariectomized rats fed with 2% cholesterol diet and Noni (125 mg/kg/b.w) (Ovx + Noni); Group 4: ovariectomized rats fed with 2% cholesterol diet and statin (10 mg/kg/b.w) (Ovx + Statin) daily for eight weeks. Food intake was measured at weekly basis. Body weight and blood pressure (systolic, diastolic and mean) were determined at base line and eighth week respectively. Ovx control and experimental groups showed significant increase in body weight and food intake at eighth week when compared to base line groups. However, there was no significant difference among the experimental treated groups. There was no significant difference in systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure observed in Ovx control and experimental groups. Based on the above findings, it is believed that Noni did not show any positive effects in ovariectomized rats fed on high-fat diet for eight weeks (short term) to ovariectomized rats fed with high-fat diet resulted in significant increase in the food intake and body weight compared to base line, however there was no significant difference in the blood pressure of Ovx and experimental groups due to short duration of the study.