Abstract

The effect of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Peristrophe bicalyculata on the lipid profile of hyperlipidemic rats was determined. Male Wistar rats were divided into two major groups; Group A, to determine the phytopreventive effect of the plant extract and group B, to determine its curative effect. Group A animals were administered the extract ad libitumfor 26 days prior to induction of hyperlipidemia, while group B animals were administered the extract ad libitum also, for 2 days, beginning two hours after induction of hyperlipidemia. Atorvastatin was used as the standard drug. Rats were made hyperlipidemic by intraperitoneal injection of 1.0 g/kg poloxamer 407 (P-407) and blood samples collected 48 h after administration of P-407. On the 28^th day, blood samples were collected to determine plasma lipid profile and atherogenic risk predictor indices. The levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides in animals treated with the extract in both groups were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those in the hyperlipidemic control group; while HDL-cholesterol level significantly increased. In most cases, there were no significant differences in lipid levels of rats administered the extract, especially at a higher dose, compared to Atorvastatin. The Atherogenic risk predictor indices showed that rats in the hyperlipidemic control group and those treated to determine the curative effect of the extract were at risk of atherosclerosis. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated the phytopreventive, hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effect of P. bicalyculata.

Key words: Peristrophe bicalyculata, poloxamer 407, hyperlipidemia, atherogenic