MODULATORY EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF XYLOPIAAETHIOPICA ON SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN HUMANS

Abstract

Background of study: Xylopia aethiopica is widely used in folkloric medicines hence there has been increased research on the plant to validate such claims.  Fruit extracts of Xethiopica aethiopica has been shown to have antibacterial, anti-diarrhoiec,hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects. However, there are still many grounds to be covered. There is paucity of data on the single dose effects of X. aethiopica on physiological and biochemical parameters.

Aim:  There are two aims of this research:  1) to evaluate the effects of a single dose of extracts on blood pressure, pulse rate, total plasma proteins, creatinine and lipid perioxidation 2) assess any dose –dependent relationship effects on these parameters.

Materials and methods: Twenty male subjects with average 24.2± 8.9 kg/m² were placed in groups of five. Blood samples were collected, then varying concentrations (15, 30 and 45mg/kg) of aqueous extract of the fruit of X. aethiopica was administered. After 45 mins of administration, blood samples were collected again. Total plasma proteins, creatinine and lipid peroxidation were determined in all the blood samples.

Results:  The extract exerted a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure only in XE ₁₅ group after 45 minutes of administration (p< 0.05). There was also a significant increase in plasma protein in XE ₃₀ and XE ₄₅ groups relative to the control group (p> 0.05). A significant decrease in serum creatinine was observed in only XE ₃₀ group (P> 0.05). There was also a significant decrease in plasma lipid peroxidation levels of XE ₃₀ and XE ₄₅ groups

Conclusion: The present findings have further reiterated the usefulness of Xylopiaaethiopica in the treatment of oxidative stress and hypertension