Author(s): Kamalu C. Ijeoma, Timothy O. Chris, Ihesiulor Grand Chikezie*
This study determined the effect of lemon extract (30 ml) on blood pressure and some visual functions of young adults. Fifty subjects 20 males and 30 females were used for this study within ages 16-27 years with mean age of 21 ± 3.39 years (Mean ± SD). The baseline readings of blood pressure, near point of accommodation, near point of convergence and pupil size were taken and recorded prior to the administration of lemon extract. The Blood Pressure (BP), Near Point of Accommodation (NPA), Near Point of Convergence (NPC) and pupil size were measured and recorded 30 minutes, 1 hour, 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours post administration. The mean BP was 114.54 ± 6.7 mmHg/75.50 ± 5.29 mmHg and decreased to 97.74 ± 8.67 mmHg/65.82 ± 5.72 mmHg at 1 hour and increased towards baseline at 2 hours to 110.86 ± 9.52 mmHg/73.46 ± 7.11 mmHg. The mean NPA decreased from 8.13 cm ± 0.94 cm to 6.95 cm ± 0.89 cm at one hour and increased towards baseline at 2 hours 7.70 cm ± 0.79 cm. The mean NPC decreased from 8.17 cm ± 0.96 cm to 7.24 cm ± 0.74 cm at 1 hour and increased towards baseline at 2 hours, while pupil size decreased from 3.88 mm ± 1.04 mm to 2.77 mm ± 0.29 mm at 2 hours 3.44 mm ± 0.74 mm. Using the Z-test statistical analysis there was significant statistical effect on BP, NPA, NPC and pupil size. It is recommended that lemon be used as a supplement in management of hypertension and convergence insufficiency
