Dose-Dependent Effects of Aqueous Extract of Xylopia aethiopica on Lipid Profile and Hepatorenal Biomarkers in Wistar Rats
Malachy Nwaeze Ezenwaeze
*
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology / Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.
Samuel Ikenna Ghasi
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria.
Ifeoma N Asimadu
Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology / Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study investigated the dose-dependent effects of aqueous fruit extract of Xylopia aethiopica on lipid profile and hepatorenal biomarkers in albino Wistar rats. A total of 24 rats (n = 6 per group) were randomly assigned into four groups: control and three treatment groups administered 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight of the extract orally for 28 days.
Serum lipid profile, liver function indices, renal biomarkers, and histopathological changes in liver and kidney tissues were evaluated using standard biochemical and histological techniques. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post hoc test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results showed a significant dose-dependent improvement in lipid profile at 200 and 300 mg/kg, evidenced by reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL-C), alongside increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) (p < 0.05). However, higher doses (≥ 200 mg/kg) produced significant elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin, with concomitant decreases in albumin and total protein, indicating hepatotoxicity.
Renal function assessment revealed reductions in urea and creatinine levels, accompanied by significant electrolyte imbalances, including decreased sodium, potassium, and chloride, and increased bicarbonate (p < 0.05). Histopathological findings corroborated biochemical results, showing dose-dependent hepatic injury ranging from mild inflammation to necrosis, and progressive renal structural alterations at higher doses.
Additionally, while aqueous extract of Xylopia aethiopica exhibits significant hypolipidemic effects with potential cardio-protective benefits, its use at higher doses may induce hepatotoxicity and disrupt renal function. These findings highlight the importance of dose regulation and the need for further studies to establish its safety profile and therapeutic window.
Keywords: Xylopia aethiopica, lipid metabolism, hepatorenal biomarkers, albino wista rats