Effect of Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Khaya senegalensis (ASBEKS) on Lipid Profile in Diet Induced Hyperlipidemic Rats

In this study, aqueous stem bark extract of Khaya senegalensis (ASBEKS) was administered to hyperlipidemic rats to evaluate its effects on lipid parameters. Fifty (50) albino rats were divided into five groups (I, II, III, IV and V) of ten rats each. Group I served as normal control. Group II served as hyperlipidemic control group, Group III, IV and V were hyperlipidemic and administered with the extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg per day respectively for two weeks. At the end of the first week, five rats were selected randomly from each group, euthanized and serum was collected for analysis of lipid profile (Total Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, HDL-Cholesterol and Triglyceride). The remaining rats were euthanized for analysis of serum lipid profile at end of the second week. A significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in the mean serum Total Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol and Triglyceride in test groups (Groups III, IV and V) animals administered with the extract for two weeks when compared with the hyperlipidemic control (Group I). A significant increase (p>0.05) in HDL-Cholesterol was only observed in group V administered with the highest dose of the extract for two weeks. The observed anti hyperlipidemic activity of extract support the traditional claim and could be associated with its phytochemicals contents.