EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS LEAF INFUSION OF Pterocarpus santalinoides DC ON THE SERUM LIPID PROFILE OF GUINEA PIGS (Carvia porcellus)

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of oral administration of aqueous leaf infusion of Pterocarpus santalinoides on serum lipid profile (SLP) of guinea pigs (GPs). Twenty GPs randomly assigned into four groups (A, B, C and D) of five each were used for the study. Group A GPs were given water placebo, while GPs in groups B, C and D were given infusion produced by dissolving 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 g/kg bw of P. santalinoides leaf powder in 600ml of hot water, respectively for 28 days. Assay of the SEP was done on days 0 (before treatment), 14, and 28 of treatment following standard procedures. Results showed that there were no significant variations (p > 0.05) in the serum total cholesterol (TC) among the groups all through the study, but at day 28, the mean serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) of groups B, C and D rose to almost double its baseline values and was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of group A, while the mean serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) of group D was significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of other groups. The mean serum triglyceride (TAG) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDLC) of groups B and C were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of group A at day 14 and 28 of treatment. It was concluded that oral administration of P. santalinoides leaf infusion as used in this study led to significant positive effects of enhancement ofserum HDLC and decrease ofserum LDLC, TAG and VLDLC of GPs.