Peace Emem ANTE

Medicinal plants have been an integral part of human healthcare since ancient times, serving as the foundation of traditional medicine systems across the world. The increasing global prevalence of dyslipidaemia and its associated cardiovascular risks has intensified the search for safer, plant-based therapeutic alternatives. This study evaluated the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum on serum lipid profile parameters in Wistar rats after 28 days of daily oral administration. Fresh leaves of S. jollyanum were collected; authenticated, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using distilled water. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of five animals each: a control group and three treatment groups administered 500, 1000, and 2500 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract. At the end of the experimental period, serum samples were analyzed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) using standard biochemical methods. Results revealed a dose-dependent reduction in serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in all treated groups compared to the control. Cholesterol decreased from 248.26 ± 62.65 mg/dL in the control to 74.67 ± 4.91 mg/dL at 2500 mg/kg, while triglycerides dropped from 169.91 ± 39.80 mg/dL to 85.35 ± 7.62 mg/dL. LDL concentrations also declined markedly, from 171.57 ± 57.45 mg/dL in the control to −7.82 ± 13.31 mg/dL at 2500 mg/kg, indicating enhanced lipid clearance and inhibition of hepatic cholesterol synthesis. Conversely, HDL levels increased significantly at the highest dose (70.94 ± 7.82 mg/dL), suggesting improved reverse cholesterol transport. These biochemical changes reflect a strong lipid-lowering and cardioprotective effect of the extract. The hypolipidaemic activity of S. jollyanum is attributed to its phytochemical constituents particularly flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids, which may act synergistically to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, enhance bile acid excretion, and strengthen antioxidant defenses. The findings align with previous reports validating the plant’s traditional use for detoxification and metabolic regulation. In conclusion, the aqueous leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum demonstrates potent lipid-regulating and cardioprotective potential without apparent toxicity, supporting its ethnomedicinal use as a safe, natural remedy for managing dyslipidaemia and related cardiovascular disorder.