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ABSTRACT
Annona muricata (soursop) is a tree of the custard apple family (Annonaceae) and its large edible fruits. Studies have shown that Annona muricata aqueous extract has varying effects on blood pressure in both younger and older human subjects but there are no reported studies on the effect of Annona muricata aqueous extract on intraocular pressure. This study aimed to determine the effects of graded doses of Annona muricata aqueous extract on intraocular pressure and systemic blood pressure in healthy human subjects. This experimental study was carried out on forty (40) normotensive human subjects, divided into four (4) groups (n=10). The first, second and third groups received a single dose of 2 g, 4 g, and 6 g per kg body weight of Annona muricata aqueous extracts, respectively. The fourth group received 600 ml (60 cl) of pure water. The baseline intraocular pressure and systemic blood pressure were measured and recorded. Thereafter intraocular pressure and systemic blood pressure were measured and recorded for each subject after oral administration of the graded doses at 30 minutes interval for 120 minutes. The result of the analysis showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in intraocular pressure with peak decline observed after 90 minutes with p-value for group A OD and OS P= 0.001 and P= 0.002 respectively , group B p=0.000 and p=0.000 respectively, group C p=0.000 p=0.000 respectively group D p=0.193 and p=0.030 respectively and systemic blood pressure with peak decline in systolic and diastolic observed after 60 minutes levels in Groups A, B, and C with p=0.000, for systolic and diastolic pressure respectively. In group D no significant difference in systemic blood pressure was observed in group D as p=0.343 and p= 0.798 in systolic and diastolic pressure respectively. However, a consistent reduction in intraocular pressure and blood pressure was observed in all experimental groups following oral administration of a graded doses of Annona muricata. The study showed administering soursop aqueous extract is effective in reducing intraocular pressure and systemic blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner. It is therefore recommended that further studies be carried out to determine the most effective dose and the lethal dose of Annona muricata aqueous extract. In addition, proper awareness should be made known to eye care practitioners, general practitioners, and the general public of the ocular and systemic benefits of Annona muricata aqueous extract.
