Changes in Lipid Profile of Rats Administered with Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Mucuna pruriens (Fabaceae)

The study evaluated the effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Mucuna pruriens on some lipid profile parameters of normoglycemic Wistar rats. The acute oral toxicity studies were conducted. The animals were administered with the plant extract at graded doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b w and metformin 250 mg/kg bw orally for 21 days. Blood samples were collected from the animals at the end of the treatment period and assayed for the serum concentration of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The results showed the extract significantly reduced (p<0.05) the levels of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein and elevated high-density lipoprotein in the groups treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg b w. There was no significant changes (p>0.05) in the lipid profile in the group treated with 400 and 250 mg/kg b w of metformin. In conclusion, the results of the present findings may be beneficial and of clinical importance to individuals at risks of cardiovascular problems.