Cardiovascular diseases are the number one reason for mortality in the world. It is estimated that more than 17 million people die of cardiovascular diseases every year (1).
Cardiovascular diseases include all major diseases of the heart and the blood vessels. These diseases can be managed by making lifestyle changes, taking medications, and undergoing surgery or angioplasty. But there are also natural remedies that can help manage or treat these conditions.
Persea americana (Aka Avocado) leaf extract is one such remedy that has been used in traditional medicine to treat heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.
The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of Persea americana leaf extract, its uses, and potential benefits in managing or treating cardiovascular diseases.
Avocado (Persea Americana) Leaf Extracts: Is it Safe and Effective?
Avocado Leaf Extract is a natural product that has been used for medicinal purposes for many years. It is extracted from the leaves of the avocado tree, which belongs to the Lauraceae family. The scientific name for this plant is Persea Americana Mill. The fruit of this tree is known as avocado and it is mainly cultivated in tropical countries such as Mexico, Brazil, and Indonesia. Although it has been used in traditional medicines for many years, it was only recently that its benefits were scientifically proven.
For this purpose, a study was conducted on the antihypertensive properties of Persea americana leaf extract. This investigation set out to determine whether or not a combination of fresh Persea americana leaf, stem, Cymbopogon leaf, Citrus medica fruit, and honey might prevent or reverse hypertension induced by ethanol alcohol and sugar in rats.
Rats were split up into eight groups of six each and treated daily for a total of five weeks. The rats in the control group were given distilled water, whereas those in the experimental groups were given water mixed with either 40% ethanol or 10% sucrose. At the end of the trial, researchers looked at a wide range of variables, such as hemodynamics, biochemistry, and histopathology.
Why Avocado Leaf Extracts is Effective in Cardiovascular Diseases Management?
The current study was designed to evaluate the antihypertensive properties of avocado leaf extract (ALE) against ethanol and sucrose-induced hypertension in rats.
The researchers found that chronic consumption of ethanol and sucrose significantly increased blood pressure and heart rate compared to distilled water-treated rats. Additionally, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and atherogenic index were elevated while HDL-cholesterol decreased under this condition. Chronic alcohol and sucrose intake also caused increases in other biochemical parameters such as glucose, proteins, AST, ALT, creatinine, potassium, sodium, and albumin while it decreased the level of HDL-cholesterol.
The histological examination indicated inflammation and vascular congestion. These deficits caused by long-term exposure to ethanol and sucrose in rats were reversed when the aqueous extract or nifedipine was given to the animals.
Takeaway
Avocado leaves are effective in cardiovascular disease management. This is because they contain a high amount of nutrients and natural properties that help to support heart health. The avocado leaves have been used for centuries as a traditional medicine in South America. It has been proved that this plant has a high antioxidant content, which has shown to help with diabetes, and heart disease.
