Effect of calcium bentonite on lipid parameters in Wistar albino rat

Abstract

The in vivo effect of Nigerian calcium bentonite clay on rat plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels of Wistar albino rats was investigated. The rats were fed for a period of four weeks with varying concentrations of the bentonite clay, and the cholesterol and triglyceride levels determined using spectrophotometric methods. Test results showed that the bentonite clay had an increasing effect on both the plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels in a concentration and time dependent manner. The highest increase of cholesterol (3.38± 0.10mmol/l) and triglyceride (0.54 ± 0.01mmol/l) were obtained at the 4^th week with the highest concentration of bentonite (0.07g/100g body wt) (P<0.05). From the study, it was clear that the bentonite clay increased the plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The slight increases in the values of cholesterol and triglyceride levels point to the fact that the bentonite substance did not significantly affect the lipid profile following the administration of calcium bentonite.

Keywords: Calcium bentonite, Plasma cholesterol and triglyceride