Evaluation of the Effects of Treculia africana Leaves on Lipid Profile, Antioxidant Activity and Some Biochemical Parameters in Wistar Rats
Oyinbrakemi Collins Ogu *
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Obebinaru Joshua Madock
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bayelsa Medical University, Imgbi Road, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Samuel Anakwe Chukwuma
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Giedia Obana
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Sciences, Bayelsa state Polytechnic Aleibiri, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Peremobowei Stephen Addy
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bayelsa Medical University, Imgbi Road, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Treculia africana (African breadfruit) is widely valued for its nutrient-rich seeds, but its leaves remain underexplored despite their potential as edible leafy vegetables rich in micronutrients and bioactive compounds. Investigating the leaves may reveal nutritional, medicinal (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective) and economic benefits that could support food security, dietary diversification and improved health outcomes. This study evaluated the potential effects of aqueous leaf extract of Treculia africana on cardiac function, lipid profile, antioxidant status and heart histology in male Wistar rats. Eighteen rats were divided into three groups and treated for 28 days with distilled water (control), 200 mg/kg of the extract or 400 mg/kg of the extract. Serum biochemical markers (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL), cardiac antioxidant enzymes (GPx, CAT and SOD) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) were measured, while heart tissues were examined histologically. The results showed no significant changes (p > 0.05) in lipid profile, cardiac enzymes or oxidative stress parameters between treated and control groups. Histological examination revealed normal cardiac structures across all groups. These findings suggest that Treculia africana leaf extract, at the tested doses, did not induce adverse biochemical or structural alterations in the heart.
Keywords: Treculia africana, aqueous leaf extract, lipid profile, antioxidant activity, cardiac enzymes, oxidative stress, Wistar rats, cardiac histology, biochemical parameters, medicinal plants