Effects of ethanolic extracts of Datura metel on blood lipid profile of male albino rats

Abstract

Background: This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Datura metel ( leaf, seed and fruit) on blood lipid profile of male albino rats. Methods: Thirty-five albino rats (8 weeks old) weighing between 66g and 84g were purchased and randomly allotted into 7 groups. The normal control (group 1) received normal saline, while groups 2 to 7 received extracts of Datura metel at low (300 mg/kg body weight) and high doses (600 mg/kg body weight). The extracts were administered orally for seven consecutive days, while the animals were sacrificed on the 8th day; blood samples were collected, allowed to stand for fifteen minutes and then centrifuged. Results: There was a general decreasing trend in the mean values of low density lipoprotein levels across  the groups, however, group 7 (with lowest value) was found to be significantly lower (p <0.05) than other groups when compared with the normal control. Also, there was a general decreasing trend in the values of high density lipoprotein compared with normal control group, however lowest value was recorded to be 1.35±0.06 mmol/l for group 5. There were no significant differences (p >0.05) in triglyceride levels across the groups, while total cholesterol in groups 5 and 6 had significant differences with values of 2.05±0.06 mmol/l and 2.13±0.10 mmol/l respectively when compared with the normal control. Conclusions: This study suggests that ethanolic extracts of Datura metel have active ingredients that are capable of improving blood lipid profile and this might be useful in the management of cardiovascular diseases.