EFFECT OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF Ficus trigonata LEAF ON LIPID PROFILE AND LIVER FUNCTION INDICES IN Plasmodium berghei INFECTED MICE

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of methanol extract of Ficus trigonata leaf on lipid profile and liver function indices in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. The extract was prepared by maceration of dried leaf in methanol and tested for antioxidant activity. Thirty (30) mice were used for the study. The extract was administered orally at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg to infected mice for four days and compared to standard drug chloroquine and normal saline controls. Lipid profile and liver function indices were measured in serum samples using standard methods. The results showed that the extract exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant activity in both assays used with an IC₅₀ values of 0.49 and 0.37 mg/mL, respectively. The elevated levels of Triglycerides and Total cholesterol were significantly (P<0.05) reduced by the extract compared to negative control. The extract significantly (P<0.05) reduced Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels from 93.00 ±2.00 mg/dL in negative controls to 81.33 ± 4.67 mg/dL, 90.33 ± 2.91 mg/dL, and 89.00 ± 3.06 mg/dL in the treatment groups respectively. The high level of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) from 60.33 ± 2.96 mg/dL in naive mice was also significantly (P<0.05) reduced in the treatment groups. The increased levels of Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) observed in negative control were also significantly (P<0.05) reduced by the extract.  This study clearly established the potential of methanol extract of Ficus trigonata leaf to ameliorate malaria-induced dyslipidaemia and hepatotoxicity.