EFFECT OF JATHROPHA TANJORENSIS ON SERUM LIPID PROFILE OF WISTER ABINO RAT

EFFECT OF Jathropha tanjorensis ON SERUM LIPID PROFILE OF WISTER ABINO RAT

ABSTRACT

Jathropha tanjorensis is a plant, which has been applied been used for medicine and food. This study investigated the phytochemical composition of Jatropha tanjorensis leaf and the effect of its methanolic extract on serum lipid profile of albino wister rats. Twenty four (24) albino rats divided into four groups and weighing between 90g and 120g were used for the study. Group 1 served as the negative control, no high fat diet was given and no treatment, Groups 2 as positive control where high fat diet was given without treatment. Group 3 and 4 were fed with high fat diet and administered varying concentrations of methanolic leaf extract (250mg and 500mg) of Jatropha tanjorensis daily for 14 days. Phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of terpenoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids and tannins. Measurement of serum lipid profile in rats administered the extract indicate a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the mean values of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol while triglycerides and HDL cholesterol levels were not significantly different from the negative control. This study pointsto the fact that leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis possess phytochemical ingredients capable of lowering blood cholesterol level and might be useful in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases caused by hyperlipidemia.