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Weight reducing and hypocholesterolemic effects of aqueous extract of the leaves of Tridax procumbens Linn on sub-chronic salt-loaded rats


JC Ikewuchi
EN Onyeike
AA Uwakwe
CC Ikewuchi

Abstract

The effects of aqueous extract of Tridax procumbens on the weight gain and organ weights, plasma lipid profiles and atherogenic indices were studied in sub-chronic salt-loaded Wistar rats. The control group received a diet consisting 100% of the commercial feed, while the four test groups received a diet consisting 8% salt and 92% commercial feed all through, except for the reference treatment group that had its salt-loading discontinued after six weeks. The extract was orally administered daily at 150 and 200 mg/kg body weight; while the test control, reference and control groups received appropriate volumes of water by the same route. Compared to test control, the treatment produced lower (significantly, P<0.05) mean daily weight gain, plasma LDL and non-HDL cholesterol, and (non-significantly) atherogenic indices, plasma triglyceride, total- and VLDL-cholesterol; and higher plasma HDL cholesterol, without significant alterations in organ weights and sizes. These results indicate a likely dose dependent cardio-protective potential of the extract on the hypertensives.

Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 1997-342X
print ISSN: 1991-8631