Thesis Abstract

ABSTRACT Desmodium velutinum is a plant known for its traditional medicinal properties in various parts of the world. This study aimed to investigate the antilipidemic effect of water (H2O) extract of Desmodium velutinum leaves on albino Wistar rats. The experiment involved the induction of hyperlipidemia in rats through the administration of a high-fat diet. The rats were then treated with different doses of the water extract of Desmodium velutinum leaves for a specified period. The results indicated that the water extract of Desmodium velutinum leaves exhibited significant antilipidemic effects in the hyperlipidemic rats. The extract demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) in the treated rats. Additionally, the extract led to an increase in the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), which is considered beneficial in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Histopathological examination of the liver tissues of the treated rats showed a reduction in lipid accumulation compared to the hyperlipidemic control group. This suggests that the water extract of Desmodium velutinum leaves may have a protective effect against lipid accumulation in the liver. Furthermore, the extract did not exhibit any signs of toxicity or adverse effects in the experimental animals, indicating its safety for consumption. The antilipidemic effect of Desmodium velutinum leaves could be attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins in the plant extract. These compounds may work synergistically to regulate lipid metabolism and promote the excretion of excess lipids from the body. In conclusion, the water extract of Desmodium velutinum leaves demonstrated significant antilipidemic properties in albino Wistar rats with experimentally induced hyperlipidemia. The findings suggest that Desmodium velutinum could be explored further as a potential therapeutic agent for managing dyslipidemia and preventing cardiovascular diseases. Further research is warranted to elucidate the exact mechanisms of action and identify the specific bioactive compounds responsible for the observed antilipidemic effects.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Lipid and lipoprotein abnormalities play a major role in the

development and progression of coronary artery diseases. Low levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterols have been identified as independent coronary risk factors (Rodrigue et al., 2010). High level of blood cholesterol is responsible for circulatory system disorder. Increase level of low density lipoprotein (LDL) is alarming for cardiovascular diseases and their risk is increased many times (Harman et al., 2011).

In developing countries, the occurrence of heart diseases increases rapidly (Nordestgard et al., 2010). Medical studies show that about 70% of adults over 50 years old suffer atherosclerosis. (Sherien and Azza, 2009). A large number of synthetic hypolipidemic drugs are available in market. Long term use of these drugs cause serious side effects, and are costly.

A medicinal plant is any plant which in one or more of its organ, contains substance that can be used for therapeutic purpose or which is a precursor for synthesis of useful drugs (Sivakumar et al., 2007). Plant contains a large number of bioactive phytochemicals that are responsible for pharmacological action of plants and used for development of drugs. Many

medicinal plants have shown their antilipidemic effect and proved their efficacy in cardiovascular diseases (Nordestgard et al., 2010; Wang, 1999).

One of such plants used very often in the management of the disease by the traditional medicine practitioners of Eastern Nigeria is Desmodium velutium, a perennial plant erect or semi-erect shrub or sub-shrub up to 3m light. It is widely distributed in subtropical Asia and tropical Africa. (Amowi and Azode, 2012).

Extracts of Desmodium velutium are used traditionally in some disease conditions particularly aphrodisiac and headache. Hence,

Desomdium velutium may be a source of a pharmacological active agent useful in the treatment of aches, pains and diarrhoea. In Ghana, native doctors mix the root of Desmodium lasincarpum with some hot peppers and use it as enema to cure blood in urine. In Eastern States of Nigeria, the plant locally known as ÒIkeagwuaniÓ. (Onyegbule et al., 2012). In these present studies, I investigated the antilipidemic activity of the water (H2O) extract of

Desmodium velutinum Leaves on albino wistar rats.