Investigation of antihypertensive effect of Nigerian varieties of Solanum lycopersicon on rats

Hypertension remains a global challenge even in the 21st century with attendant increase in mortality rate. The quest for alternative management medications suffixed this investigation using three varieties. Thirty male hypertension induced wistar rats divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each were used. Group A served as the normal control group and was administered 0.9% normal saline as placebo. Group B, C and D were fed with Jos, UTC, Gboko varieties, respectively. Group E was treated with lisinopril at 2.5 mg/kg orally, while group F served as the hypertensive untreated group. Administration lasted for 28 days and all animals were allowed access to food and water ad libitium. Standard methods of non-invasive blood pressure assessment was used to access systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, while the lipid panel was assessed using Cardiocheck test meter (lipidocare) in all the groups. ANOVA was used to analyze data and probability level of p<0.05 considered significant. Results show that rats given Jos and UTC tomatoes performed better as compared to those given Gboko tomatoes but the 3 groups did less well as compared to the Lisinopril group. Groups A and F, the Normotensive and hypertensive controls remained status quo. Groups B and C also did better in having an improvement in the lipid profile, as compared to all the other groups. All these indices put together suggest that the Jos and UTC varieties of tomatoes show a better antihypertensive effect as compared to the Gboko variety and could be used in the management of hypertension owing to the presence of high concentration of antioxidants in them. And if these results are applicable to man, the consumption of Jos and UTC varieties of tomatoes should be encouraged. Key words: Tomatoes, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rates, lipid profile.