Hypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating the search for safe and effective therapeutic alternatives. Moringa oleifera Lam., a medicinal plant rich in bioactive phytochemicals, is traditionally used in cardiovascular management, but its effects under normotensive conditions remain insufficiently defined. This study evaluated the acute and sub-acute cardiovascular effects of M. oleifera leaf extract in normotensive rats. Wistar rats of both sexes received oral doses of 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg extract, while controls received acacia solution. Acute responses were assessed at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 h, and sub-acute effects over 28 days. Blood pressure, pulse rate, and mean arterial pressure were measured non-invasively. Cardiac tissues were examined histologically using haematoxylin and eosin staining. The extract produced mild, time- and dose-dependent cardiovascular modulation without statistically significant changes or sustained hypotension. Cardiac histoarchitecture remained largely preserved, with only mild, non-progressive vascular changes at higher doses. These findings indicate a favourable cardiovascular safety profile and support further evaluation in hypertensive models.
Osazuwa et al. (Sun,) studied this question.