Effect of methanolic fruit extract of Borassus aethiopum on body mass index and lipid profile parameters of high fat diet induced obese Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a known global epidemic, mostly defined as an excess of body fat and described by the body mass index (BMI)  which is calculated as the weight divided by square of height (w/h2). Currently there is lack of scientific data on the effect of Borassus aethiopum fruit on obesity and lipid profile parameters.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Borassus aethiopum fruit on BMI and lipid profile parameters of high fat diet  induced obese Wistar rats.

Methodology: A total of twenty-five (25) rats weighing approximately 90 to 105 g were randomly divided into five (5) groups of five (5)  rats each, negative control group A were fed with a normal pellet diet (NPD), the remaining four (4) groups were fed with a high fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. The rats in group B, C and D were administered with different dose of the extract for 14 days. The LD50 of the extract  was determined, Body mass index was calculated, Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL-Chol and LDL-Chol were assayed by enzymatic  method.

Results: Results showed that, the extract has no toxic effect even at a dose of 5000 mg. there was a significant reduction in the BMI of  rats administered with extract as compared with controls (p< 0.05). The extract has a reducing effect on T-Chol, TG and LDL-Chol levels  (p< 0.05).

Conclusion: In conclusion, the extract is safe for consumption and help to reduce BMI and by extension help to improved lipid profile parameters.