Effects of Anacardium Occidentale Leaf Extract on Lipid Profile and Antioxidant Levels in Diabetic Albino Rats
Ikenna-Ukomadu Amarachukwu *
Red River College Polytechnic, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Nkpolu Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Ezekwe Ahamefula Sunday
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Nkpolu Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Wokocha Peter Gift
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Nkpolu Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Okari Karibo Amakiri
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Nkpolu Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study examines the lipid-lowering and antioxidant effects of aqueous leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced in male albino rats via intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate at a dose of 120 mg/kg body weight. The diabetic rats were then treated with A. occidentale extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. The treatment led to significant reductions in triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (p < 0.05), while significantly increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Antioxidant levels, including superoxide dismutase and catalase, were also improved, suggesting reduced oxidative stress. These findings indicate that A. occidentale exhibits potent hypolipidemic and antioxidative properties, making it a promising candidate for managing diabetes-induced dyslipidemia and oxidative stress. The study provides evidence supporting the use of A. occidentale as a natural therapeutic agent in the treatment of diabetes-related complications.
Keywords: Anacardium occidentale, alloxan induced diabetes mellitus, lipid profile, antioxidant levels, hypolipidemic, oxidative stress dyslipidemia