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

Abstract

Abstract 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. Graphical abstract