Antihyperlipidemic Effect of the Combined Extract of Moringa oleifera and Psidium guajava Leaf in Phenylhydrazine-Induced Rats
Orororo, OC
*
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
Awhin, EP
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
Okoro, EO
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
Ogwuadi, CR
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
Akachukwu, FP
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The lipid profile includes measurements such as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Alterations in these parameters are strongly associated with conditions such as atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, stroke, and metabolic syndrome. This study investigated the effects of Moringa oleifera and Psidium guajava leaf extracts on the lipid profile of phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced rats. Twenty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: neutral control, PHZ-only (negative control), PHZ + Oreifer (standard drug), PHZ + combined Moringa oleifera leaf and Psidium guajava leaf extract. Hemolytic anemia and oxidative stress were induced by intraperitoneal injection of phenylhydrazine (40 mg/kg body weight), followed by oral administration of the plant extracts at a dose of 200 mg/kg for 14 days. Blood samples were collected to assess lipid profile parameters, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The results showed that phenylhydrazine administration caused a significant increase in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL, and a decrease in HDL compared to the neutral control. Treatment with Moringa oleifera and Psidium guajava leaf extracts significantly ameliorated these alterations. Specifically, the extracts increased HDL levels and decreased LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides relative to the untreated PHZ group, demonstrating lipid-lowering and protective effects. Triacylglycerol (TAG) levels were significantly elevated in the PHZ group (Group B: 36.04 ± 2.6 mg/dL) compared to the neutral control (Group A: 23.02 ± 2.0 mg/dL). The standard drug (Group C: 24.00 ± 1.1 mg/dL) almost completely normalised the TAG levels, while the combination extract (Group D: 32.48 ± 1.7 mg/dL) significantly reduced TAG levels, though not to baseline values. The findings suggest that Moringa oleifera and Psidium guajava leaf extracts possess hypolipidemic properties and may serve as promising natural agents for the management of dyslipidemia and oxidative-stress-related cardiovascular risks.
Keywords: Moringa oleifera, Psidium guajava, lipid profile, phenylhydrazine, oxidative stress, dyslipidemia