Phytochemical, Hypolipidemic, and Lipid Peroxidation Inhibitory Activities of Ethanol Extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera Fruit in Albino Rats Intoxicated with Carbon Tetrachloride

Maryann Nonye Nwafor 1, *, Chinedum – Eluka Patricia 1, Chinedu Shedrack Ogunwa 2, Michael Obinna Eji 2, Charles German Ikimi 3, Nkechinyere Florence Godwin 3, and Alalibo Jim Whyte 4

1Department of Medical Biochemistry, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria. P.M.B. 05
2 Department of Medical Biochemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. P.M.B. 10103.
3 Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, P. M. B. 126.
4 Department of Chemical pathology, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria, P. M. B. 228.
 
Research Article
GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 22(02), 058–070.
Article DOI: 10.30574/gscarr.2025.22.2.0008
Publication history: 
Received on 07 December 2024; revised on 28 January 2025; accepted on 31 January 2025
 
Abstract: 
The fruits of Tetrapleura tetraptera, belonging to the Fabaceae family, have long been used in traditional medicine for managing various health conditions. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, hypolipidemic effects, and lipid peroxidation inhibitory properties of the ethanol extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit in albino rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Proximate composition, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis, acute toxicity, lipid profiles, and lipid peroxidation inhibition activities were determined using standard methods. Thirty albino rats were randomly assigned to six groups of five rats each. The proximate composition of the whole fruit revealed the following (%): moisture (17.07), ash (17.17), lipid (10.10), fiber (5.26), protein (15.77), carbohydrate (34.62), and caloric value (1222.28 kJ/100g). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, coumarins, glycosides, and amino acids. Quantitative analysis showed varying levels of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids (0.08 ± 0.004), phenolics (0.38 ± 0.09), saponins (6.07 ± 1.01), and others. CCl4-induced intoxication led to hyperlipidemia, with elevated serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TAG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels decreased. Treatment with Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit extract (100, 300, 500 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced serum TC, TAG, and LDL levels and increased HDL. Additionally, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher in the CCl4 group but decreased significantly with treatment. These findings suggest that Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit extract exhibits promising hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects, supporting its traditional use in managing conditions like inflammation, cardiovascular disorders, and diabetes mellitus.
 
Keywords: 
Tetrapleura tetraptera; Hyperlipidemia; Phytochemicals; Lipid Peroxidation; Ethanol Extract and Carbon Tetrachloride 
 
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