EFFECT OF METHANOL LEAF

This study evaluated the effect of methanol leaf extract of Anthocleista grandiflora on lipid profile parameters in Wistar rats following 28 days of sub-chronic oral administration. The plant commonly known as the “Giant African Cabbage Tree,” has long been used in traditional medicine for managing fever, jaundice, and metabolic disorders. Despite its wide ethnomedicinal use, scientific validation of its lipid-modulating potential remains limited. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of five animals each. The control group received distilled water, while the experimental groups were administered 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg of methanol leaf extract daily for 28 days. Serum samples were analyzed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) using standard spectrophotometric methods. The results showed no statistically significant (p > 0.05) differences between treated and control groups for all lipid parameters. Mean cholesterol values ranged from 78.00 ± 3.07 to 85.60 ± 3.28 mg/dL, triglycerides from 77.60 ± 4.52 to 90.00 ± 8.83 mg/dL, HDL from 24.20 ± 0.97 to 27.60 ± 1.36 mg/dL, and LDL from 34.20 ± 4.98 to 43.60 ± 3.85 mg/dL. The slight elevation in HDL with a concurrent reduction in LDL at higher doses indicates a potential cardioprotective and hypolipidaemic effect of the extract. These findings suggest that A. grandiflora did not disrupt lipid metabolism but may support lipid balance through its antioxidant phytochemicals such as flavonoids, saponins, and phenolics. Overall, the methanol leaf extract of A. grandiflora demonstrated safety and mild lipid-regulating potential during sub-chronic exposure, validating its traditional use in promoting cardiovascular and metabolic health