Ameliorative Effects of Ethanol Seed Extract of Persea americana (Avocado) on Lipid Profile and Oxidative Stress Markers in Male Wistar Rats with Carrageenan-induced Inflammation
Nwankwo Emilia Chika *
Human Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Meludu Samuel Chukwuemeka
Human Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Ugwu Chidiebere Emmanuel
Human Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background/Aim: Synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen, may be associated with adverse effects that affect metabolic and cardiovascular functions. This study evaluated the ameliorative effects of ethanol seed extract of Persea americana on lipid profile and oxidative stress markers in male Wistar rats with carrageenan-induced inflammation.
Methods: Seventy-five male Wistar rats weighing 100-120 g were assigned to five groups of 15 rats each. Group 1 served as the normal control and was not induced with inflammation. Groups 2-5 received a single subplantar injection of 0.2 ml of 1% carrageenan into the right hind paw to induce inflammation. Group 2 served as the negative control, groups 3 and 4 were treated orally with 3000 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg ethanol seed extract of Persea americana, respectively, and group 5 received 20 mg/kg ibuprofen. Blood samples were collected at baseline, day 14 and day 28. Serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde were determined using standard biochemical methods.
Results: Carrageenan induction was associated with increased total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and malondialdehyde, with reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total antioxidant capacity in the negative control group. Treatment with 3000 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg ethanol seed extract of Persea americana significantly decreased total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and malondialdehyde, while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total antioxidant capacity over the 28-day period. Ibuprofen showed less favourable changes in lipid parameters, although oxidative stress markers improved.
Conclusion: Ethanol seed extract of Persea americana improved inflammation-associated dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress in male Wistar rats. These findings suggest potential complementary value, although further safety and mechanistic studies are required
Keywords: Persea americana, avocado seed extract, carrageenan-induced inflammation, lipid profile, oxidative stress, Wistar rats, total cholesterol, ; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, ; malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity