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Ameliorative Effect of Parkia biglobosa (African Locust Bean) against Egg-Yolk

Induced Hypertension

Article · May 2020

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International Journal of Bio-Science and Bio-Technology (IJBSBT)
Ameliorative Effect of Parkia biglobosa (African Locust Bean)
against Egg-Yolk Induced Hypertension
Augustine I. Airaodion1*, and Emmanuel O. Ogbuagu2
1
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria*
2
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
Correspondence: augustineairaodion@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
This study is aimed at evaluating the
ameliorative effect of Parkia biglobosa against
egg-yolk induced hypertension. In order to
achieve this, 30 Wistar rats were divided into
three groups of 10 each. Rats in group A
received normal feed diet and they served as the
control group while those in groups B and C
received a special prepared egg feed diet (24 egg
yolk mixed with 1 kg of normal rat diet).
Animals in group C were administered
400mg/kg body weight of P. biglobosa extract
simultaneously with the feeding. The animals
were fed orally for 21 consecutive days and had
access to drinking water ad libitum. Blood
pressure of each of these groups was determined
at day 0, 7, 14 and 21 respectively using
standard methods. A significant increase was
observed in the blood pressure of animals fed
with egg-yolk formulated diet without P.
biglobosa treatment when compared with those
fed with egg-yolk formulated diet and treated
with P. biglobosa extract and control group
respectively at P<0.05. However, this effect was
neutralized when animals fed with egg-yolk
formulated diet and treated with P. biglobosa
extract were compared with those in the control
group. With results from this study, P. biglobosa
possesses antihypertensive properties. Therefore,
its consumption especially by people above 50
years of age is highly recommended.
Keywords: Antihypertensive potential, blood
pressure, egg yolk, P. biglobosa
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1. INTRODUCTION
Parkia biglobosa is a perennial tropical plant
legume predominantly distributed within the
savannah region of West Africa [1]. P.
biglobosa is also known as African locust bean
while in Nigeria its local names include; Origili
in Igbo, Dorowa in Hausa and Iru in Yoruba [2].
The African locust bean has gained its
popularity from the consumption and economic
value of its bean seeds. In West Africa
especially Nigeria, the beans are usually
fermented to yield a product popularly called
“Dawadawa”. Dawadawa is a black, tasty
seasoning, rich in protein which is commonly
used as condiment in local soups and as a dietary
protein source [3,4,5]. Furthermore, other parts
of the plant such as the fruit and stem have also
been exploited. The stem bark was reported to
have anti-snake venom activities [6], the fresh
fruit pulp can be used as mineral supplement [7].
Besides the culinary use of the African locust
bean, its chemotherapeutic attributes have been
explored [2,8,9]. In traditional medicine
practices, a decoction of the stem bark has been
used as a hot mouthwash to relieve toothaches
[10]. A mixture of the root and leaves has been
reported to be an efficacious remedy for the
treatment of sore eyes and dental caries [11].
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are growing
contributors to global disease burdens, with
International Journal of Bio-Science and Bio-Technology (IJBSBT)
epidemics of CVD advancing across many
regions of the world which are experiencing a
rapid health transition [12]. Diet and nutrition
have been extensively investigated as risk
factors for major cardiovascular diseases like
coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke and are
also linked to other cardiovascular risk factors
like diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity
[12]. Hypertension is defined as the persistent
elevation of systolic/diastolic blood pressure
over 140/90 mmHg. It is a major risk factor for
developing cardiovascular diseases [13].
Although no definite cause is apparent in the
majority of hypertension cases (i.e. idiopathic
hypertension), a number of underlying
pathologies such as hyperactivity of the renin
angiotensin system (RAS), inflammation,
oxidative stress and impaired vascular
relaxation, can contribute to its onset and long-
term persistence [14,15]. Although various
pharmaceutical drugs are available for the
treatment of hypertension, management of
hypertension often requires lifelong adherence to
the medication and is associated with significant
adverse side-effects [16]. Thus, there has been a
growing interest in using alternative options,
such as adoption of a healthy lifestyle with
restricted energy and dietary sodium intake,
engagement in physical activities and stopping
smoking, for prevention and management of
hypertension [17,18].
Blood pressure is regulated through several
mechanisms including modification of
angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity
and vascular function as well as changes in
oxidative status [19]. Antioxidants may decrease
blood pressure through decreasing oxidative
stress in the body thus preserving the activity of
nitric oxide synthase (NOS) as well as
increasing nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability.
Moreover, the potential interrelations between
blood pressure and plasma lipids may contribute
to increased coronary heart disease in
P a g e | 18
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Vol-12-Issue-05-May-2020
hypertensive patients [20]. This study is aimed
at evaluating the ameliorative effect of Parkia
biglobosa against egg-yolk induced
hypertension
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
2.1 Sample Preparation
P. biglobosa (African locust bean) was
purchased from a local market at Orita-
Challenge area of Ibadan, Nigeria. They were
sun dried and milled into powder using an
electronic blender (Moulinex). The powder was
extracted according to the method described by
Airaodion et al. [21]. About 2.5 kg powder of
African locust bean was extracted with n-hexane
(boiling point 40–60 oC) in a soxlet extractor
(Sri Rudram Instrument, Chennai, India) for 18
hours. The defatted, dried sample was repacked
and then extracted with methanol. Briefly, the
dried marc was extracted with methanol in the
soxlet apparatus for 10 hours. The methanol
solution was subsequently concentrated in a
rotatory evaporator at 40 oC.
2.2. Experimental Design and Animal
Treatment
Thirty Wistar rats weighing between 200 and
220 g were used for the experiment. They were
acclimatized for seven (7) days during which
they were fed ad libitum with standard feed and
drinking water and were housed in clean cages
placed in well-ventilated housing conditions
(under humid tropical conditions) throughout the
experiment. All the animals received humane
care according to the criteria outlined in the
„Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory
Animals‟ prepared by the National Academy of
Science and published by the National Institute
of Health. They were randomly divided into
three groups of ten rats each. Rats in group A
received normal feed diet and they served as the
control group while those in groups B and C
received a special prepared egg feed diet (24 egg
yolk mixed with 1 kg of normal rat diet).
International Journal of Bio-Science and Bio-Technology (IJBSBT)
ISSN: 2233-7849
Vol-12-Issue-05-May-2020

Animals in group C were administered
400mg/kg body weight of P. biglobosa extract
simultaneously with the feeding. The egg yolk
formulated-diet has been reported to cause high
blood pressure [22]. The animals were fed orally
for 21 consecutive days and had access to
drinking water ad libitum. Blood pressure of
each of these groups was determined at day 0, 7,
14 and 21 respectively.
mmHg, and slowly released during which the
pulses were recorded by using Power Lab data
acquisition system and computer running Lab
Chart 5.0 software (Ad Instruments, Sydney,
Australia). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), Mean
blood pressure (MBP) and heart rate were
measured directly using pulse tracing while
diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was calculated
from SBP and MBP as:

2.3. Determination of Blood Pressure DBP =

Blood pressure was determined from the tails of
2.4. Statistical Analysis
rats using non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP)
measuring apparatus (IN125, AD Instruments, Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013
Sydney, Australia) according to the method version and results are presented as mean
described by Airaodion et al. [22]. Each rat was standard deviation with n = 10.
placed in NIBP restrainer and appropriate cuff
3. RESULTS
with sensor was then mounted on its tail and
warmed to about 33 – 35 °C. The tail cuff (MLT The results of the effect of P. biglobosa on
125/R) was inflated to a pressure well above the blood pressure are presented in figures 1-4.
expected systolic blood pressure, i.e., 200

120
a a a
100
Blood Pressure (mmHg)

80

60

40

20

0
Control Egg-yolk Egg-yolk + P. biglobosa
Treatment Groups

Figure 1: Blood Pressure of Animals Prior to Treatment

Results are presented as mean ± SD with n = 10. Bars with different letters are statistically significant at
P<0.05

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International Journal of Bio-Science and Bio-Technology (IJBSBT)
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Vol-12-Issue-05-May-2020

140

120 a a
a
Blood Pressure (mmHg)

100

80

60

40

20

0
Control Egg-yolk Egg-yolk + P. biglobosa
Treatment Groups

Figure 2: Effect of P. biglobosa Extract on Blood Pressure of Animals after 7 Days of Treatment

Results are presented as mean ± SD with n = 10. Bars bearing different letters are statistically significant
at P<0.05

160
140 a
Blood Pressure (mmHg)

120 b
100 b
80
60
40
20
0
Control Egg-yolk Egg-yolk + P. biglobosa
Treatment Groups

Figure 3: Effect of P. biglobosa on Blood Pressure of Animals after 14 Days of Treatment

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International Journal of Bio-Science and Bio-Technology (IJBSBT)
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Vol-12-Issue-05-May-2020

Results are presented as mean ± SD with n = 10. Bars bearing different letters are statistically significant
at P<0.05

180 a
160
Blood Pressure (mmgH)

140
b b
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Control Egg-yolk Egg-yolk + P. biglobosa
Treatment Groups

Figure 4: Effect of P. biglobosa on Blood Pressure of Animals after 21 Days of Treatment

Results are presented as mean ± SD with n = 10. Bars bearing different letters are statistically significant
at P<0.05

4. DISCUSSION seeking non-drug treatment and preventative

High blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke,
coronary heart disease and renal vascular
disease; thus, a reliable indicator of premature
death [23]. The control of blood pressure
through diet has been the focal point of
nutritionist and researchers. The method in
practice to control high blood pressure is “long-
term” drug therapy. Drugs have been reported to
have different side effects that can create more
clinical problems than are solved [24,25]. That is
why medical professionals worldwide are
strategies for hypertension and other ailments.
In this study, egg-yolk was observed to
significantly increase blood pressure of animals
when compared with the control group. This is a
clear indication that egg-yolk has the propensity
to induce hypertension [22]. This is in
agreement with the report of Alamgeer et al.
[26] who reported the antihypertensive activity
of aqueous-methanol extract of Berberis
Orthobotrys Bien Ex Aitch in rats. Egg-yolk has
been reported to contain high cholesterol
concentration [22,27]. Cholesterol rich diets

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International Journal of Bio-Science and Bio-Technology (IJBSBT)
have been linked to dyslipidemia which is
considered a major risk factor for hypertension
[28]. This might be responsible for the sustained
increase in blood pressure of animals fed with
egg-yolk diet without treatment with P.
biglobosa extract. This is also consistent with
the reports of Spence et al. [27] and Airaodion et
al. [29].
A significant decrease was observed in the blood
pressure of animals fed with egg-yolk
formulated-diet and treated with P. biglobosa
when compared with those fed with same diet
but untreated with P. biglobosa at P<0.05. This
is similar to the findings of Olaleye et al. [30]
who observed that P. biglobosa reduced blood
pressure of animals. They reported that P.
biglobosa had similar effect with ramipril action
on hemodynamic parameters. Interestingly, this
plant has been identified as a source of cardiac
glycosides, tannins, and alkaloids [31-33]. High
magnesium content of this condiment has
previously been reported [34]. Magnesium has
been shown to be beneficial for lowering the risk
of cardiovascular diseases and its deficiency in
blood is known to be involved in hypertension
[35]. Other reports suggest increased
consumption of major food sources of
magnesium, such as whole grains, nut, and green
leafy vegetables as a means of lowering blood
pressure [36]. Calcium and potassium intake are
known to protect against hypertension [37].
Airaodion et al. [38] reported that coconut water
reduced blood pressure due to its potassium
content. The mechanism of action of P.
biglobosa in maintaining blood pressure could
be due to its high potassium content.
P. biglobosa has been reported to possess
antioxidant properties by positively affecting
oxidative stress [39]. Antioxidants has been
reported to decrease blood pressure through
decreasing oxidative stress in the body thus
preserving the activity of nitric oxide synthase
(NOS) as well as increasing nitric oxide (NO)
bioavailability [20]. The antihypertensive
potential of P. biglobosa observed in this study
might have resulted from its antioxidant
properties.
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Airaodion et al. [40] has previously reported
that P. biglobosa possesses hypolipidemic
efficacy. The combined effect of decreased
LDL-cholesterol and increased HDL-Cholesterol
usually leads to decreased LDL-C/HDL-C ratio
which would favour better cardiovascular health.
The hypolipidemic effect of P. biglobosa might
also be responsible for its hypotensive potential.
This is consistent with the findings of Ognatan
et al. [41] who reported that Bogou indigenes of
Togo who consume P. biglobosa condiment
regularly had lower blood pressure than
indigenes of Goumou-kope (also of Togo) who
are not known with the consumption of P.
biglobosa condiment.
5. CONCLUSION
With results from this study, P. biglobosa
possesses antihypertensive properties. Therefore,
its consumption especially by people above 50
years of age is highly recommended.
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
Authors declare that no conflict of interest exist
in the publication of this paper.
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