Weight reducing and hypocholesterolemic effects of aqueous extract of the leaves of <i>Tridax procumbens</i> Linn on sub-chronic salt-loaded rats

Abstract

The effects of aqueous extract of Tridax procumbens on the weight gain and organ weights, plasma lipid profiles and atherogenic indices were studied in sub-chronic salt-loaded Wistar rats. The control group received a diet consisting 100% of the commercial feed, while the four test groups received a diet consisting 8% salt and 92% commercial feed all through, except for the reference treatment group that had its salt-loading discontinued after six weeks. The extract was orally administered daily at 150 and 200 mg/kg body weight; while the test control, reference and control groups received appropriate volumes of water by the same route. Compared to test control, the treatment produced lower (significantly, P<0.05) mean daily weight gain, plasma LDL and non-HDL cholesterol, and (non-significantly) atherogenic indices, plasma triglyceride, total- and VLDL-cholesterol; and higher plasma HDL cholesterol, without significant alterations in organ weights and sizes. These results indicate a likely dose dependent cardio-protective potential of the extract on the hypertensives.