Biochemical liver function with aqueous fruit extract of Solanum macrocarpum linn in albino rats acutely administered triton-x to induce hyperlipidaemia.

The effect of the aqueous fruit extract, Solanum macrocarpum Linn on some biochemical indices of liver function was studied in triton-induced hyperlipidaemic wistar rats. Thirty rats (160-200g) were used in the study and assigned to 5 groups of 6 rats each. Group I hyperlipidaemic control rats received distilled water only, whereas groups II, III, IV and V, the experimental hyperlipidaemic rats, were administered graded doses of the plant extract (25mg/kg, 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200kg/mg) per body weight intraperitoneally after which blood samples were taken from the rats 24hrs, 48hrs and 72hrs, respectively after extract administration. Serum aspartate amino transferase (AST) dose dependently and significantly decreased (P<0.05) at 48hrs and 72hrs. The values of alanine amino transferase (ALT) decreased significantly (P<0.05) at 72hrs when compared to the control. The decrease in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was not significant (ALP) activity was not significant (P>0.05) when compared to the control. Serum protein and albumin decreased significantly (P<0.05) while bilirubin increased significantly (P<0.05) at 72hrs of study. In conclusion, Solanum macrocarpum probably has hepatoprotective effects.

Drug therapy for hyperlipidaemia (dyslipidaemia)- A review.

Lipids are transported in human plasma as complexes bound to proteins called lipoproteins. Elevation of plasma concentration of lipoproteins is called hyperlipoproteinaemia or hyperlipidaemia. Lipoproteins are divided into high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate density lipoprotein (IDH) chylomicrons and lipoprotein a [Lp(a)]. There is no therapeutic approach that will reduce chylomicron catabolism. HDL is the good lipoprotein. Hypolipidaemic drug therapy can reduce LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) thus reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. A complete lipoprotein profile of the patient is required (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglycerides) before commencing drug therapy. The cholesterol lowering drugs include statins, fibrates, bile acid sequestrants, inhibitors of intestinal sterol absorption, nicotinic acid derivatives and others like dextrothyroxine, omega H-3-marine triglycerides. The adverse effects of these drugs were also highlighted.