Endocrine Function with Aqueous Fruit Extract of Solanum macrocarpum Linn. In Albino Rats Chronically Administered Triton-X to Induce Hyperlipidemia

Abstract

Studies were conducted on the effect of the aqueous fruit extract of Solanum macrocarpum Linn. in chronic triton-induced hyperlipidemic rats. The plant was Soxhlet-extracted with distilled water and the extract concentrated in vacuo with a yield of 15.34 % w /w. The extract was stored in a specimen bottle in a desiccator at room temperature until when required. The endocrine function parameters: thyroid hormones (thyroxine ie. T4, 3, 5, 3′ triiodothyronine i.e. T3 and thyroid stimulating hormone ie. TSH), testosterone, 17β – oestradiol and insulin were determined. The results showed that with increase in extract dose there was a significant (p 0.05) throughout the period of study. Oestradiol levels increased significantly (p<0.05) at 24 hrs and 72 hrs when compared to the negative control (Group one), but the levels of the oestradiol level in the negative control was however higher than that of the rats not administered the extract (positive control or Group two). The positive control had an oestradiol level of (15.00±4.24) pg/ml, (12.00±1.49) pg/ml and (13.50±2.54) pg/ml at 24 hrs, 48hrs and 72 hrs respectively whilst the values of the oestradiol in the negative control rats (group one) are (36.50±2.12) pg/ml, (20.00±4.24) pg/mol and (24.50±2.12) pg/mol at 24 hrs, 48 hrs and 72 hrs respectively. The increase in the testosterone level with increase in extract dose was significant (p<0.05) at 48 hrs whilst the insulin levels increased significantly (p<0.05) at 48 hrs and 72 hrs when compared to the negative control. The aqueous fruit extract of S. macrocarpum by increasing the level of the thyroid homones, testosterone, 17β oestratdiol and insulin in hyperlipidemic rats in this study probably imply a lipid lowering effect.