Farmacología cardiovascular: acceso abierto

Abstracto

Effects of Alkaloids of Cocos nucifera Husk Fibre on Cardiovasular Disease Indices in Albino Mice

Joshua BO and Muyiwa A

Background: The fight against cardiovascular disease remains a challenge as it is a disease which affects the heart and blood vessels. The use of Cocos nucifera husk fibre in disease treatment in Nigeria is generally high. It is important to know the effect of the alkaloids of the plant in relation to cardiovascular diseases.

Methods: 48 albino mice with average weight of 18.28 ± 0.57 g were randomly divided into six groups (A to F) of eight albino mice each with group A as control while groups B,C,D,E,F and were administered 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg weight of the extract respectively. At the end of 7 days of administration, the animals were sacrificed and the serum was collected and various lipid parameters determined.

Results and Conclusion: The results revealed that the alkaloids caused a significant increase (p<0.05) in Triglyceride and Very low density lipoprotein concentrations at the doses of 62.5 and 125 mg/kg body weight compared to control. The alkaloids did not significantly alter (p????0.05) Serum total cholesterol and Low density lipoproteincholesterol concentrations but significantly reduced (p<0.05) High density lipoprotein–cholesterol concentration at all doses administered compared to control. The alkaloids caused a significant increase (p<0.05) in atherogenic index at the doses of 62.5 and 125 mg/kg the result suggest that the alkaloids of Cocos nucifera husk fibre may predispose subjects to cardiovascular diseases.