Antihypertensive effect of functional rice analogue containing corn, mocaf, pigeon pea and seaweed on rats

The ingredients of rice analogue used in this research are corn (Zea mays), lebui or pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.), mocaf (fermented cassava) and seaweed (Euchema cottonii) which was formulated in different compositions of amylose and amylopectin namely formula F30 (contain 30% amylose) and F31 (contain 31% amylose) (F30 and F31 Formula). Nutritive and bioactive compounds in the ingredients are supposed to have a role in the activity of blood pressure reduction. Therefore, this research aimed to determine whether the rice analogue in the two formulas can reduce blood pressure in Wistar rats, both in normotensive and hypertensive conditions. The rice analogue was prepared with a composition as the formula, followed by chemical content analysis and in vivo experiment. In the in vivo experiment, rats were divided into two major groups. One was the normotensive group, and the other was the hypertensive group (induced by dexamethasone). Blood pressure measurements were carried out using the CODA® Non-Invasive Blood Pressure tool. Blood pressure measurement data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank and the Kruskall Wallis Test statistical tests, followed by the Mann-Whitney Test using a 95% confidence level. The results showed that changes in blood pressure, both in normotensive and hypertensive conditions treated with the rice analogue diet, did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) when compared to standard feeding. The percentage changes in systolic blood pressure in the normotensive group treated F30 and F31 rice analogue were-0.29±1.5% and 1.14±1.8%, respectively, while for diastolic blood pressure were-0.43±1.8% and 8.3±8.0%. Whereas in the hypertensive group, the percentage changes in systolic blood pressure in the group treated F30 and F31 rice analogue were 3±0.09% and 6±0.08%, respectively, while for diastolic blood pressure were-2±0.15% and 6±0.15%. Nutritive and bioactive compounds in the rice analogue might have a role in the regulation of blood pressure, however, the amount of the ingredients in the rice analogue with F30 and F31 treated in the rats might not be able to reduce blood pressure both in normotensive and hypertensive rats.