World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF CASSIA SIEBERENA LEAVES AGAINST HIGH- FAT DIET- INDUCED METABOLIC SYNDROME IN RATS

Nweje-Anyalowu Paul Chukwuemeka* Agatemor Uzuazokaro Mark-Maria, Idakwoji Precious Adejoh, Iserhienrhien Lucky Osafanme

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the possible protective effect of methanol extract of Cassia sieberena leaves (MECS) against high- fat diet (HFD) induced metabolic syndrome in rats. Forty (40) albino rats were randomized into 4 groups of 10 animals each. Group 1 served as control and the rats were fed standard rat diet for 90 days. Rats in Group 2 were fed HFD for 90 days. Group 3 rats were fed HFD for 90 days but administered MECS (200 mg/kg b.w) from days 31- 90 while rats in Group 4 were fed HFD and administered MECS (200 mg/kg/day) concurrently for 90 days. The effects of treatment on some components of metabolic syndrome (obesity, hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance) were investigated through the measurement of body weight, fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum insulin level, total cholesterol (T. Chol.), triacylglyceride (TAG), High density lipoprotein (HDL) and Low density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations. Results showed that administration of the extract for 30 and 90 days significantly (p< 0.05) reduced body weight, FBS, insulin level, TAG and LDL as well as significantly (p< 0.05) increased serum levels of HDL. It was concluded that Cassia sieberena leaves possess significant anti-metabolic syndrome potential. More research is required however, to find out the various mechanisms by which the extract acts on the various components of the metabolic syndrome.

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