The Effects of Alchornea laxiflora Leaf Extract on Total- and HDL- Cholesterol Levels in Serum, Liver, and Kidney of Rats

Abstract

Alchornea laxiflora is one of the underutilized tropical plants in Nigeria. The extract from the leaf has been shown to contain certain phytochemical principles which have been linked to some of its medicinal uses.

The effect of Alchornea laxiflora aqueous leaf extract on the level of the total- and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) - cholesterols in the serum, liver, and kidney of rats was evaluated in this study. Twelve rats were grouped into three containing four each. Group A (control) was administered with only distilled water. Groups B and C were administered with aqueous extract of Alchornea laxiflora at 100 mg kg^-1 and 200 mgkg^-1 body weight respectively for twenty-eight days. The result revealed a decrease in the level of total cholesterol in the serum and kidney of rats administered with aqueous leaf extract of Alchornea laxiflora. It can therefore be suggested that Alchornea laxiflora holds much promise in offering protection against possible lipid peroxidation and lowering the level of total cholesterol in the serum and kidneys of rats.