Project Abstract

Abstract
The antilipidemic effect of water (H2O) extract has gained attention in recent years due to the increasing prevalence of lipid-related disorders such as hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the potential antilipidemic properties of water extracts derived from various plant sources. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify relevant studies on the antilipidemic effects of water extracts. The studies selected were those that utilized in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate the impact of water extracts on lipid metabolism. The findings revealed that water extracts from different plants, including green tea, garlic, and ginger, exhibited promising antilipidemic effects. These extracts were shown to reduce total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, while also increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. Mechanistic studies suggested that the antilipidemic properties of these water extracts were attributed to their ability to inhibit key enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis and enhance lipid metabolism. Furthermore, the antioxidant properties of water extracts were found to play a significant role in reducing lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, thereby contributing to their antilipidemic effects. In addition, the studies demonstrated the safety and tolerability of water extracts, with minimal adverse effects reported in animal models and human trials. Overall, the findings from this study support the potential of water extracts as natural antilipidemic agents. The ability of water extracts to modulate lipid metabolism, improve lipid profiles, and mitigate oxidative stress highlights their therapeutic potential in managing lipid-related disorders. Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific bioactive compounds responsible for the antilipidemic effects of water extracts and to optimize their formulation for enhanced efficacy. Ultimately, incorporating water extracts into dietary interventions or as nutraceutical supplements could offer a safe and cost-effective approach to combating hyperlipidemia and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Project 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 “Ikeagwuani”. (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.