The Comparative Effects of Aqueous Extract of Tetracarpidium Conophorum Seeds and Proviron on the Biochemical Parameters of Male Guinea Pigs

Abstract

The phytochemical screening and the effects of the aqueous extracts of the seeds of T. conophorum on the biochemical parameters of male Guinea pigs were investigated. The Biochemical parameters were assayed using Randox Diagnostic kits, Phenophthalin and colorimetric methods. The phytochemical screening was carried out using standard procedures. Phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, carbohydrate, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, volatile oils, saponins and cardiac glycosides. The aqueous extract of T .conophorum seeds (100-400mg/kg) caused a statistically significant (P< 0.05 ANOVA) decrease in the levels of total cholesterol, creatinine, urea, uric acid, prostatic, alkaline, and acid phosphatases. The highest reduction effect was obtained with uric acid at 400mg/kg of T. conophorum extract while the least effect was observed in total cholesterol. These effects were dose- and timedependent. This shows that the seeds of T .conophorum have hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and cardio protective properties. The study therefore, supports the claim on the use of the seeds of this plant by traditional medicine practitioners as a Cardio protective agent. Although further studies need to be done to isolate, identify and characterize the active principles in the seeds extracts of this plant.

Keywords: T. conophorum: proviron: biochemical parameters: male guinea pigs

Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 8 No 1 pp. 229 - 235 (September 2010)