Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research (ISSN : 0975-7384)

Effect of methanolic leaf extract of Parkia biglobosa on some biochemical indices and hemodynamic parameters in rats

Author(s): Tolulope Mary Olaleye, Kayode Komolafe and Afolabi Akintunde Akindahunsi

To provide justification for the use of plant in ethnomedicine, the leaf extract of P. biglobosa was investigated for its effects on some biochemical indices, antioxidant status and hemodynamic parameters in rats. 80% methanolic extract of P. biglobosa leaf (PBE, 75mg/kg body weight) was administered once daily to experimental animals over a 30-day period. The effect on biochemical parameters like aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin, total-, direct bilirubin, urea, creatinine and lipid profile was assessed. Hepatic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were quantified to gain insight into the antioxidant status. Effect on hemodynamic parameters was investigated in other groups of rats pretreated with PBE (50- or 75 mg/kg) or ramipril (10 mg/kg) for fifteen consecutive days. PBE reduced serum ALT and AST levels after 10 days of treatment but with no change in hepatic activities of enzymes. Significant reduction (P<0.01) in serum levels of direct- and total bilirubin, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol was also observed after 15 days of treatment in rats while other indices were not significantly affected. Improved antioxidant status was shown by the significantly reduced LPO and increased GPx activity. Futhermore, PBE demonstrated hypotensive effect by reducing the mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate in rats. The results of this study strongly indicate the hypotensive effect and the safety of PBE to vital organs at the dosages evaluated and there by scientifically support its traditional use.

PDF