Abstract

Allium sativum (garlic) and Citrus aurantifolia (acid lime) have been in use in the traditional management of hypertension without a scientific evidence of the benefit of their combination.  Much of the control of blood pressure is dependent on the cardiac muscle developed force and the total peripheral resistance, an activity of the vascular smooth muscle. This study is undertaken to investigate the effects of garlic and acid lime on blood pressure changes. Garlic and lime obtained from the open market were identified and extracted in water. The extracts were administered to cats singly and later combined in graded doses, and the blood pressure was recorded. Results show that garlic reduced blood pressure with a sustained heart rate, while acid lime reduced blood pressure but with a rise in heart rate. When combined, the extracts reduced blood pressure with no change in heart rate. It is concluded that the combination of garlic and lime is beneficial in blood pressure changes, and that the combination may be acting via a reflex mechanism which might be cardio protective.

Key words:  Garlic, acid lime, blood pressure, cat, heart rate, cardio, protection.