Hypolipidemic and Anti-Atherogenic Activity of Aqueous Extract of Leaves of Lagenaria siceraria in Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the hypolipidemic activity of aqueous extract of leaves of Lagenaria siceraria (Bottle gourd) in experimentally induced hyperlipemic Wistar rats. Aqueous extract of leaves of Lagenaria siceraria, orally at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg, was given to High Cholesterol Diet (HCD) induced hyperlipemic rats. After eight weeks of dosing, the possible antihyperlipidemic activity was assessed by investigating serum lipid levels. Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg p.o.) was used as a standard drug. Results showed that aqueous extract of leaves of Lagenaria siceraria (AELS) caused a significant (P<0.01) reduction in serum levels of Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDLC) and Very Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (VLDLC) and Atherogenic Index Serum (AIS). The results also demonstrated a significant (P<0.01) increase in High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDLC). Our observations of the study indicate that the AELS has a significant antihyperlipidemic potential.