Effects of Some Selected Spices on Some Biochemical Profile of Wister Albino Rats

The influences on the biochemical profiles by three medicinal plant parts used by pregnant women in the southern part of Nigeria, Tetrapleura tetraptera, Piper guineense, and Xylopia aethiopica were evaluated through a feeding study using Albino Whistar rats. The study revealed that extracts decreased the plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels in treated rats and is attributable to the presence of hypolipidemic agent in the extracts. This shows that the extracts could reduce cardiovascular risk factor. Also, plasma levels of Potassium statistically decreased in the rats treated with T. tetraptera, P. guineense, and X. Aethiopica. This finding is suggestive of a hypokalaemic effect. Two major liver enzymes, ALT and AST plasma levels significantly decreased in the order X. Aethiopica > T. Tetraptera > P. Guineense and P. Guineense > X. Aethiopica > T. Tetraptera for ALT and AST respectively. These findings suggest effective potential to lower hepatotoxic effects by the spices.