Abstract

BUCHHOLZIA CORIACEA (WONDERFUL KOLA) SEED EXTRACT EFFECTS ON SOME CARDIOPROTECTIVE, PANCREATIC AND LIPID PROFILE VALUES IN ALLOXAN INDUCED WISTAR RATS

*Karibo Amakiri Okari and H. O. Asuzu-Samuel

ABSTRACT

Diabetes a chronic condition that is characterized by elevated blood glucose level and various heart related diseases. The Buchholzia coriacea (Wonderful Kola) seed extract effect on cardiac tissue, pancreas and lipid-profile parameters in alloxan induced Wistar rats was evaluated. Mature fruits of Wonderful Kola were gathered and authenticated. The seeds were processed, dried, and extracted into a methanolic extract. Twenty-five albino rats were obtained, acclimatized, and randomly divided into five groups; The normal control group was fed with water and feed only, positive control group was induced diabetes with alloxan and was not treated throughout the study, the known standard drug group was induced and treated with metformin daily, while the test group was divided into low dose test group and high dose test group. The low dose test group was administered with 250mg/kg of Buchholzia coriacea(Wonderful Kola) and the high dose test group was treated with a high dose of
1000mg/kg of the Buchholzia coriacea (Wonderful Kola) plant extract for 14 days. After two weeks, animals were euthanized, and blood samples, pancreas and heart tissues were collected. The lipid profile examination revealed notable reductions in HDL cholesterol, along with elevated LDL cholesterol and Triglycerides in the alloxan-induced group, indicating toxicity (p < 0.05). Metformin partially restored these parameters, while both low and high doses of Wonderful Kola extract exhibited beneficial effects, suggesting potential protection against alloxan (p < 0.05) revealing reduction in the elevated levels of LDL cholesterol and Triglycerides and increase in the HDL cholesterol. Differential counts and indices also showed positive responses to Wonderful Kola extract. Histological analysis revealed severe inflammation in the alloxan induced group, partial mitigation with metformin, and potential protective effects with Wonderful Kola, particularly at higher doses. Wonderful Kola extract demonstrated protective impacts on lipid profile parameters and cardiac tissue histology in alloxan induced group, indicating its potential as a therapeutic remedy. Further investigation is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize dosage.

Keywords: Alloxan, Cardioprotective, Pancreatic, Lipid and Buchholzia Coriacea.