Formulated Polyherbal Tea Upregulates Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (NRF2) Gene Expression and Optimizes antioxidant Biomarkers in Diabetic-Hypertensive Rats

Abstract

Abstract Background The rising incidence of hypertension and diabetes is among the contributors to global death, with a significant financial burden. This study aims to explore the popularity of plant-based substitutes, focusing on a tea-based polyherbal blend of Roselle calyx, Moringa oleifera , and Annona muricata leaves, and its effect on the NRF2 gene and enzymes linked to diabetes and hypertension. Method The samples (1 g, containing a 2:2:6 ratio of the plant) were weighed into tea bags with or without aspartame as a sweetener, and then steeped in 100 ml of boiling water for 5, 10, and 15 minutes. Adult albino rats were fed a high-fat diet and received Streptozotocin STZ (35 mg/kg b.w.). Diabetes (glucose > 250 mg/dl) was confirmed after 72 hours, followed by L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day) administration and sample treatment. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 gene, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and diabetes-hypertension-linked enzymes: purinergic (ATP, AMP, and ADA), arginase, phosphodiesterase (PDE-5), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) were determined. Results The results revealed a decrease in PDE-5, arginase, ACE, ATP, AMP, and ADA activities by the treatment. The study also demonstrates that polyherbal tea has a beneficial effect by upregulating the NRF2 gene, leading to the amelioration of oxidative stress through the SOD, catalase, GST, and GPX pathways. Conclusion These results highlight the potential of polyherbal tea with the longest brewing times as a viable management strategy for diabetes and hypertension.