Effects of Leaf Extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on Serum Lipids and Oxidative Stress Markers of Male Wistar Rats

Introduction: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius is considered to be an important and effective medicinal plant in folklore remedies where it has been applied as an alternative therapy for the treatment of various ailments.

Aim: The present study aims to determine the effects of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on lipid profile and some oxidative stress markers of male Wistar rats.

Methodology: A total of 15 male wistar rats were procured for the study and randomly assigned into three groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 served as control and received distilled water only. Group 2 received 200 mg/kg and group 3 received 400mg/kg of the hydromethanolic (1:4) extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius which was administered as single daily dose using oral cannula. On completion of treatment, blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for determination of some serum lipid parameters and oxidative stress markers.

Results: Results showed that there were no significant difference in the serum level of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and high density lipoprotein cholesterol at both doses of the extract, compared to control. However, compared to control, there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase but significant reduction in malondialdehyde level. The catalase enzyme activity was not significant.

Conclusion: The result obtained suggest that the extract may be useful in reducing oxidative stress by improving some antioxidant enzyme activities and may also prevent cell death due to lipid peroxidation.