Antihypertensive Properties of the Root and Stem Bark of Nauclea Latifoia - Serum Electrolyte Profile

Hypertension is a relatively common disorder that is probably the most important public health problem in developed countries. It is common, asymptomatic, readily detectable, usually easily managed and usually leads to lethal complications if left unmanaged. This study evaluates the antihypertensive properties of the root and stem of Nauclea latifolia, by assessing the serum electrolytes levels in hypertensive animals treated with the extracts. The stem extract produced a significant decrease (p 0.05), and the potassium levels were insignificant in the treated and control groups (p>0.05). Also, the potassium levels for the root extract treated animals were insignificantly lower (p>0.05) than the controls, while the sodium and chloride levels were significant (p<0.05). The reduced levels of these electrolytes, especially sodium showed that the N. latifolia extracts have antihypertensive properties.