ABSTRACT
Aim: This study aims at evaluating the effects of Wakouba, an extract of the fronds of oil palm tree Elaeis guineensis (Jacq) traditionally used in the treatment of high blood pressure, on lipid profile, urea, creatinine, blood glucose, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic (DBP) and heart rate (HR) in hypertensive rabbits. Methods: Twenty four rabbits (24) divided into six (06) groups of four rabbits each weighing between 1.5 ±3.0 to 2± 1.5 kg were used. Group 1 served as witness, group 2 sick and untreated control, groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 were used as experimental groups (sick+treatment). Throughout the experiment the witness group received distilled water; adrenaline was administered to the sick control group. After 10 days of adrenaline injection, hypertension has been stabilized in sick groups (group 2 to 6) and blood was taken for the determination of urea, creatinine, and lipids. Four (04 ) of the five (05 ) groups of hypertensive rabbits were treated with two (2) doses of " Wakouba " 950 and 2500 mg / kg bw and two ( 02) doses of ténordate 10 and 20 mg / kg BW, two(2) group by two(2) group . After ten (10) days of treatment, the SBP and DBP and HR were measured, blood was collected for determination of the same biochemical parameters. Results: The study of the effect of Wakouba and ternodate on the changes in systolic blood pressure SBP, DBP and heart rate (HR) showed a significant decrease (P<0.05 ) up to normalization of these parameters after 10 days of treatment. Similarly, the measurement of serum lipid profile in hypertensive rabbits treated with Wakouba (950mg / kg bw) and tenordate (20 mg / kg bw) showed a significant reduction in (P<0.05) values of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in contrast to HDL cholesterol which has increased significantly compared to the control group. Same doses also normalize serum glucose, urea and creatinine. Histological sections performed on the kidney and the heart of hypertensive rabbit showed congestion of blood in the kidney and cardiomyopathy. Conclusion: Wakouba at dose (950 mg / kg bw) as well as tenordate decreases and normalizes systolic blood pressure (SBP ) , diastolic blood pressure (DBP ) and heart rate (HR) in hypertension induced rabbit . Furthermore Wakouba (950 mg / kg BW) and tenordate (20mg/kg BW) increases HDL cholesterol and decrease LDL cholesterol. Wakouba would have the same mechanism of action as tenordate (ATENOLOL + NIFEDIPINE) a reference anti hypertensive product, thus anti hypertensive and cardioprotective properties, which justifies it uses in traditional medicine in Cote d’Ivoire as an anti hypertensive.