Effect of aqueous extract of <i>Spondias mombin</i> leaves on Nitric Oxide level and some liver biomarkers in dietary palm oil supplement-fed Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: Consumption of thermally oxidized palm oil over a period of time may lead to altered biochemical indices. Exposure to extract of Spondias mombin leaves has been reported to improve biochemical indices in rats. This study was designed to examine the effects of aqueous extract of Spondias mombin (SPM) leaves on nitric oxide level and some liver biomarkers in dietary oil supplemented Wistar rats.

Methods: Thirty-six male Wistar rats weighing between 180-200 g, were used. The animals were randomly divided into six groups containing six rats each. Group 1 (control) received normal rat chow. Group 2 received normal rat chow+ SPM (300 mg/kg body weight orally ), Group 3 was fed on feed mixed with fresh palm oil (FPO) (15% w/w), Group 4 was fed on feed mixed with FPO (15% w/w)+SPM (300mg/kg body weight orally), Group 5 was fed on feed mixed with thermooxidised palm oil (TPO) (15% w/w), Group 6 received feed mixed with TPO(15% w/w)+SPM (300 mg/kg body weight orally) for five weeks.

Results: Result obtained shows a significant (p<0.05) increase in NO level in Spondias mombin (SPM) group when compared with the control. Serum glucose was significantly (p<0.05) high in FPO and TPO. However, SPM, FPO+SPM and TPO+SPM serum glucose levels were decreased by 24.07%, 10.93% and 39.28% respectively when compared with their untreated groups. Total protein and globulin concentration were increased significantly (p<0.05) in SPM, FPO+SPM and TPO+SPM. Albumin level was raised in FPO and FPO+SPM compared to control. Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), Low density lipoprotein (LDL-c) and Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) were significantly (p<0.05) elevated in TPO but Significantly (p<0.05) decreased upon treatment with SPM.

Conclusion: We conclude that aqueous Spondias mombin leave extract promote liver protein synthesis and increases nitric oxide level in normal condition but not in consumption of thermally oxidized oil.

Keywords: Spondias mombin, Thermooxidized Oil, Nitric Oxide, Liver Biomakers