Abstract

Reports had indicated that Hydrocotyl bonariensis contains phytochemicals that can be exploited for the development of anticataractogenic agent. In the present study we investigated the effects of administration of the plant’s leaves extract on some cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in galactose model of experimental cataract. Twenty five (25) weanling rats randomly assigned to five groups were used in the study. Aqueous extract of H. bonariensis at 500 and 1000 mgKg^-1 were administered to two different groups of the rats placed on galactose diet. Plasma lipid profile, fibrinogen and platelet count were then compared after 4 weeks treatment period between these groups and with the baseline, normal and test control groups. Result of the study indicates that galactose diet elicit significant increase in the plasma cholesterol, triglyceride and artherogenic risk index (AI) whereas simultaneous administration of the extract significantly (p<0.05) lowers the parameters. Fibrinogen and platelet count were also significantly (p<0.05) reduced in rats placed on galactose diet when administered with the extract. The result also suggests that the cardio protective effect of the extract was more pronounced at lower dose administration of the extract. The study indicates that pretreatment with H. bonariensis will reduce predisposition to CVD associated with cataract.

Key words:  Cardiovascular disease, cataract, lipid, phytomedicine, galactose.