Phytochemical and Hypolipidemic Effects of Methanolic Extract of Aframomum melegueta Seed

Aims: The present study was aimed at establishing the phytochemical contents and hypolipidemic potentials of the methanolic extract of Aframomum melegueta seed in rats.

Study Design: Phytochemical constituent, serum lipid profile and relative organ weight.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State, between July 2013 and November 2013.

Methodology: Dried and pulverized seeds of Aframomum melegueta were extracted by cold maceration method for 48 hours at room temperature using absolute methanol in a Winchester bottle. The extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) was dosed to albino Wistar rats orally for 21 consecutive days by gastric gavage. Twenty four hours later, blood was collected from the rats through direct cardiac puncture. The separated serum was used to determine the serum lipid profile. Phytochemical analysis of the extract was also done using standard method.

Results: The extract produced significant (P < 0.05) dose-dependent decrease in the serum level of cholesterol, triglyceride, Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and increase in serum level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, terpenes/sterols, glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids.

Conclusion: The methanolic extract of A. melegueta seed demonstrated hypolipidemic effects which may help in the prevention of development of cardiovascular diseases in patients and may be due to its phytochemical constituents.