The Effect of Dacroydes edulis (African Pear) Pulp Oil Extract on Serum Lipid Parameters in Male Albino Wistar Rats

Aims: This work aimed at evaluating the effects of Dacroydes edulis pulp oil extract on serum lipid profile of male-albino Wistar rats at various concentrations. This was done by assessing serum total cholesterol (TCHOL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. This is in order to widen its utilization for the treatment and control of cardiovascular diseases.

Study Design: The research was carried out by grouping the rats into four groups of five rats each (groups 1-4). The groupings were according to the doses of the extract given.

Methods: The oil extract was done using n-lexane in soxhlet apparatus at room temperature and the solvent evaporated using rotary evaporation (model TT22, USA) at 50°C. Twenty male albino Wistar rats of 180-200 g were grouped into 4. Groups 1 were the control while groups 2,3 and 4 were given, 5 mg/kg/d, 10 mg/kg/d and 20 mg/kg/d of the pulp oil extract for 21 days. Blood samples were collected for serum lipid profile via ocular puncture using heparinized capillary tubes. Serum lipid profile Levels were analyzed using VIS-UV spectrophotometer (model 752, China). Results were analyzed using SPSS version 21 statistical software using ANOVA analysis.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University-Awka, Nigeria. The study lasted for forty days.

The Results: The results analyzed so far showed that among all the parameters tested for (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein, only serum high density lipoprotein showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in levels in the test groups (groups 2-4) when compared to the control group (40.31 + 15.4 mg/kg/g). Those given 20 mg/kg/d of the pulp oil extract (group 4) had the highest level of serum high density lipoprotein (212.12 mg/kg/d) among all the treatment groups. (P< 0.05). The animals also recorded increased in weight at 21 days of treatment.

Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that the pulp oil extract of Dacryodes edulis might have increased high density lipoprotein in a dose dependent manner. The pulp oil extract may, therefore, be useful in the treatment and management of some cardiovascular diseases.