Effect of Aqueous Extract of Irvingia wombolu Seeds on Lipid Profile and Atherogenic Indices in Hyperlipidemic Wistar Rats

The effect of aqueous extract of Irvingia wombolu seeds on lipid profile and atherogenic indices in hyperlipidemic wistar rats was evaluated. Forty five (45) wistar rats were grouped into five groups of nine rats each. The animals were allowed seven days acclimatization period. Group one was the control group and it received normal rat chow and water throughout the study. Groups 2 to 5 were given high fat diet for 14 days after which they were fed with normal rat chow till the end of the study. At the end of the 14 days, group 2 was not treated while group 3-5 were treated with 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg body weight aqueous extract of Irvingia wombolu seed respectively for 28 days. The lipid profile of animals was assayed three times: first after 14 days induction period (phase 1) i.e day 0 of treatment, second was taken 14 days after treatment (phase 2), third was taken 28 days after treatment (phase 3).The study lasted for 49 days and distilled water was used as a vehicle for the extract.In phase 1, there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in HDL (high density lipoprotein) level in all groups (2-5) compared to the control.there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in LDL ( low density lipoprotein), Total cholesterol, Triglyceride, VLDL (very low density lipoprotein), Non HDL, Cardic risk factor, Atherogenic coefficient, Atherogenic index of plasma levels in all groups (2-5) compared to the control. All doses of aqueous extract of Irvingia wombolu seed were able to increase HDL level and decrease other lipid profile parameters and atherogenic indices in hyperlipidemic rats. Thus, aqueous extract of Irvingia wombolu seed has antidyslipidemic potential.