Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Ficus asperifolia on Cardiac Enzymes and Lipid Profile in Male Albino Rats

Abstract

The effect of oral administration of aqueous leaf extract of ficus asperifolia on cardiac enzymes and lipid profile in albino rats was checked in this study. Ficus asperifolia is a highly medicinal plant that has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of ailments ranging from wound healing to diabetes. This plant is used without the knowledge of its toxic potential. This research therefore checks the cardiotoxicity of this plant. Sixty male albino rats were divided into 4 groups. The first group was administered with distilled water while the second, third and fourth groups were treated with 400, 800 and 1200mg kg⁻¹b.wt. doses of the extract, respectively. The rats were sacrificed 24h after treatment for 1, 7 and 14 days. Their serum was obtained and used for the analysis of the concentration of Total cholesterol, Triglycerde, Low Density Lipoprotein, High Density Lipoprotein and Creatine Kinase activity. Alanine Aminotrasferase and Aspartate Aminotransferase activities were also assayed in the serum and heart homogenate. The result obtained revealed a significant decrease (p<0.05)in the concentrations of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein while high density lipoprotein significantly increased (p<0.05). The activities of serum Creatine Kinase, Aspartate Aminotransferase and Alanine Aminotransferase increased significantly (p<0.05) while a concomitant significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in heart Aspartate Aminotransferase and Alamine Aminotransferase activities. The available results suggest that ficus asperifolia leaf extract possesses hypolipidemic properties but may be detrimental to heart cells at the doses tested.