IMPROVED LIPID PROFILE: EVIDENCE OF CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF CHRYSOPHYLLUM ALBIDUM AQUEOUS STEM-BARK EXTRACT IN ALBINO RATS

Abstract

Dyslipidemia is implicated in atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. This study investigated the effect of Chrysophyllum albidum aqueous fresh stem-bark extract (CASE) on the lipid profile of albino rats. A total of 20 rats were separated into four groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 was the normal control; groups 2, 3 and 4 were respectively administered with 150, 300 and 450 mg/kg body weight of CASE twice daily for 7 days via oral intubation. Blood samples collected from the animals were used for lipid profile analyses. The result showed significant (P < 0.05) decreases in the serum concentrations of total cholesterol (134.68, 119.46 and 83.89 mg/dl), triglycerides (66.92, 53.39 and 45.06 mg/dl) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (39.36, 33.82 and 23.13 mg/dl); whereas there were significant (P < 0.05) increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (93.59, 103.01 and 123.36 mg/dl) in groups 2, 3 and 4 respectively in a dose dependent order, compared to the normal control group. Therefore, the result showed that C. albidum aqueous fresh stem-bark extract improved the lipid profile of the rats; evidence of cardioprotective activity. Hence, the active components can be harnessed for the management of cardiovascular related diseases.