<![CDATA[Background: Elevated blood pressure and stage 1 hypertension, as classified by the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, increase cardiovascular risk substantially. Non-pharmacological dietary interventions incorporating bioactive plant-derived compounds into staple foods represent a promising preventive strategy. Methods: A completely randomized design with four treatment groups (F0, F1, F2, F3) and three replications per group was employed. White bread was formulated with gotu kola (Centella asiatica) leaf powder and cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) bark powder at varying proportions: F0 (0%:0%), F1 (10%:20%), F2 (20%:10%), and F3 (15%:15%). Organoleptic evaluation was conducted by 25 semi-trained panelists using a two-point hedonic scale. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test with Dunn’s post hoc comparison. Triterpenoid content was identified through qualitative phytochemical screening. Results: The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed statistically significant differences among formulations for all four sensory attributes: taste (H(3) = 29.28, p < 0.001), texture (H(3) = 19.51, p < 0.001), aroma (H(3) = 15.80, p = 0.001), and color (H(3) = 11.68, p = 0.009). Post-hoc analysis indicated that the control (F0) was significantly preferred over all treatment formulations across most attributes. Among treatment formulations, F2 demonstrated the highest taste acceptance (52%). Qualitative phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of triterpenoid compounds exclusively in F2. Conclusion: The F2 formulation (20% gotu kola, 10% cinnamon) was identified as the preferred formulation based on combined sensory performance and qualitative triterpenoid detection. Further quantitative analysis, bioavailability assessment, and controlled clinical investigation are warranted before functional health claims can be established.]]>
