Abstract
Introduction There are claims by traditional medicine practitioners in Nigeria and valuable scientific
reports that the leaves of Tephrosia vogelii (TV) hook are used for the treatment of various diseases; however, there is paucity
of information on it used in the management of cardiovascular complications despite
the rich presence of phytochemicals. This study aimed at investigating effects of
solvents extracts of TV leaves and stem on lipid profile of poloxamer 407-induced
hyperlipidemic rats.
Materials and Methods Varying doses of the solvent extracts (water, ethanol, and acetic acid) of plant
material were administered to experimental animals (Albino Wistar rats) induced with
hyperlipidemia using poloxamer 407 (P-407).
Results The results of the phytochemical screening of leaves and stem revealed the presence
of alkaloids, saponins, phlobatannins, and flavonoids in powdered sample of leaves
and stem of TV. Aqueous extract of the leaves had the highest yield (18.21 ± 1.12%),
while acetic acid extract of stem had the lowest yield (7.21 ± 1.21%). The cholesterol
and triacylglycerol level of rats induced with P-407 was significantly (p≤0.05) higher than normal rats. This study showed that aqueous extract at 50mg/kg
body weight significantly (p≤0.05) lower cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very
low-density lipoprotein, and triacylglycerol levels. Indices of cardiovascular function
atherogenic coefficient, atherogenic index, coronary risk index, and cardioprotective
index were positively modulated by the treatment.
Conclusion The study indicated that the aqueous leaves extract of TV possesses antihyperlipidemic
effects and may explains why it has been found to be useful in the management of cardiovascular
diseases by traditional medicine practitioners.
Keywords
Tephrosia vogelii leaves - cardiovascular function - hyperlipidemia - phytochemicals - poloxamer 407
