Fermented beverage of Ocimum tenuiflorum ameliorates renovascular hypertension by the inhibition of ACE activity in 2K1C rat model.

Abstract

The present study investigated efficacy of Ocimum tenuiflorum fermented beverage in the amelioration of renovascular-hypertension in 2K1C model. Hypertension was induced by clipping the left renal artery. The hypertensive rats exhibited elevated systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure; increased heart rate; activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE); and elevated serum and renal levels of angiotensin II. Additionally, liver and heart functions were impaired, accompanied by increased expression of α-skeletal actin, indicating organ damage associated with hypertension. However, administration of the fermented tulsi beverage for six weeks led to partial restoration of these parameters. The mechanism of action involves the suppression of ACE activity, as supported by gene expression analysis. The observed efficacy may be attributed to the beverage's rich polyphenolic content and high bioavailability. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the ameliorative potential of a fermented tulsi beverage against renovascular hypertension in a 2K1C rat model.