GABA-Enriched Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DPUL-F233 Powder and Its Effect on Blood Pressure in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Hypertension is a common chronic disease driven by multiple physiological mechanisms, primarily the overactivation of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS). Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a nonprotein amino acid, has well-documented health benefits, including antihypertensive and calming effects. This study evaluates the blood pressure-lowering effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DPUL-F233 bacterial powder in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The bacterial powder was produced using optimized fermentation and freeze-drying techniques. In the oral administration experiment on SHRs, the group treated with a high dose of bacterial powder via long-term gavage showed a significant reduction in blood pressure compared to the untreated group. Specifically, the final measurements of diastolic and systolic blood pressure were reduced to 206.0 ± 2.35 mm Hg and 145.0 ± 6.78 mm Hg, respectively. The angiotensin-converting enzyme I/Angiotensin II/AT1R axis was downregulated, while the angiotensin-converting enzyme II/Angiotensin 1–7/MasR axis was upregulated, rebalancing the RAS signaling pathway. The high-dose group also demonstrated protective effects on the heart and kidneys, with significant improvements observed in reducing cardiac hypertrophy and kidney damage. Additionally, molecular simulation studies indicated potential inhibition of ACE I by GABA. The results suggest that GABA-rich L. plantarum DPUL-F233 powder has significant potential as a natural antihypertensive supplement, particularly for use in functional food development.