Effect of aqueous leaf extract of Jatrophacurcas on serum lipid profiles in albino rats

Abstract

The contribution of a research work evaluating the pharmacological effects of a common plant cannot be over emphasis. This study investigated the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha curcas (ALEOJC) on serum lipid profile in CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity rats. The rats (50) were grouped into four (I, II, III and IV) of which GIII and IV were administered with different concentration of the extract. The histology and lipids profile were evaluated using standard methods. Two weeks after daily oral administration of ALEOJC at a dose of 1000mg/kg to GIV shows significant (P<0.05) reduction in serum total cholesterol and LDL compared to GII. Administration of the extract for 4 weeks showed a significant difference (P<0.05) in serum triglycerides and LDL- cholesterol in G III and IV compared to GII. Administration of ALEOJC showed significant and dose dependent hepatocurative activity which was compared to the positive control group and negative control. The histopathological findings were in support of the biochemical changes recorded during the study, sections of the liver in G I, III and IV shows fine vascular sinusoids with no pathological changes while G II shows areas of liver damage (plates 1-4). It might be inferred that the ALEOJC extract have either hepatocurative effects and/or promoting anti-dyslipidaemic effect.