Avocado supplementation mitigates hypertension and multi-organ injury in an L-NAME model of cardiovascular dysfunction

Background

Endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, and multi-organ injury remain central drivers of cardiovascular disease. Avocado ( Persea americana ) is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, and antioxidants, yet its integrative impact on hypertension-induced systemic injury has not been fully explored.

Methods

Male Wistar rats (n = 4/group) were randomized into six groups: control, avocado, L-NAME, L-NAME+losartan+metaprolol succinate, L-NAME+avocado, and L-NAME+metaprolol succinate+avocado. Avocado pulp was incorporated into diet at 80% w/w. Endpoints included blood pressure indices, hematological parameters, liver enzymes, renal function tests, and correlation analyses of systolic-diastolic coupling. One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc tests evaluated group differences, while forest plots and scatter analyses visualized treatment effects.

Results

L-NAME significantly elevated systolic blood pressure (Δ+18 mmHg), diastolic pressure (Δ+20 mmHg), and mean arterial pressure (Δ+17 mmHg; all p < 0.01) compared with controls. Avocado supplementation reduced these elevations by ~15-18 mmHg, restoring values near baseline. L-NAME increased platelet counts (p = 0.031) and trended toward leukocytosis, both of which were attenuated by avocado. ALT levels were higher in L-NAME rats (p = 0.044), while AST and ALP trended upward; avocado-fed groups maintained near-control enzyme levels. Renal markers were most affected: urea (+25 mg/dl) and creatinine (+0.8 mg/dl) rose significantly in L-NAME rats (p < 0.01), but were reduced by 20-30% with avocado supplementation. Electrolytes remained unchanged. Correlation analyses revealed pathological SBP-DBP coupling in L-NAME rats (r = 0.78), abolished by avocado (r = 0.00).

Conclusion

Avocado supplementation mitigates L-NAME–induced hypertension and systemic injury by stabilizing blood pressure, reducing thrombocytosis, and preserving hepatic and renal function. These findings support avocado as a pleiotropic nutraceutical adjunct for cardiometabolic protection.

Highlights

• Avocado pulp supplementation incorporated into chow (80% w/w) mitigates L-NAME-induced hypertension in rats.

• Dietary avocado preserves hepatic and renal biochemical function while reducing thrombocytosis under cardiovascular stress.

• Avocado demonstrates pleiotropic nutraceutical potential, stabilizing systemic physiology beyond conventional pharmacological therapy.