LIPID PROFILE

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

Miracle Seed Ultima® (MSU) is widely used as a natural supplement, yet scientific evidence on its safety profile remains limited. This study therefore evaluated the sub-acute toxicity effects of MSU on liver function and lipid metabolism in male Wistar rats. Twenty rats were randomly assigned to four groups and administered 0 mg/kg (control), 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg of MSU orally for 28 days. Liver biomarkers including ALT, AST, ALP, total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin were analysed, while lipid profile parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and VLDL) were assessed.The results showed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) in AST, ALP, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, or albumin levels across all doses. However, ALT increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the 300 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg groups compared with the control, with mean values of 147.35 ± 12.9ᵃ (control), 135.00 ± 8.7ᵃᵇᵈ (300 mg/kg), and 200.56 ± 22.2ᵃᶜᵉ (1000 mg/kg), indicating a dose-related biochemical change. Total protein decreased significantly in the 100 mg/kg group 4.06 ± 0.1ᵃ (control) and 3.39 ± 0.1ᵇᶜ(100mg/kg), although values remained within physiological ranges. Lipid parameters showed no statistically significant alterations, indicating that the observed slight increase in total cholesterol in Group 3 and reduced triglycerides in Group 2 were not biologically meaningful since they were not statistically supported.Overall, the findings indicate that MSU did not produce broad hepatic or lipid toxicity within the 28-day period. Although ALT increased at higher doses, a single enzyme elevation without corresponding changes in other hepatic markers does not conclusively indicate liver damage. Nevertheless, the dose-dependent rise suggests a potential early biochemical response that warrants further attention. The study highlights the need for additional investigations involving histopathology, oxidative stress markers, and long-term exposure to more conclusively establish the safety profile of MSU