Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Simarouba glauca DC (Simaroubaceae) on Lipoprotein Homeostasis and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers

Background and Purpose: Simarouba glauca is widely reported to contain a number of biologically active compounds with potentials in the treatment of numerous diseases. The study was conducted to evaluate the sub-acute effects of the aqueous leaf extract of Simarouba glauca (AESG) on lipoproteins and oxidative stress biomarkers in male Wistar rats. Methods: Oral administration of AESG was carried out in line with the guidelines of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), No. 425 using a total of 24 male Wistar rats allotted to four groups (n=6); given distilled water, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg/day of AESG respectively for 30 days. Results: In plasma, there was a significant reduction (P?0.05) in HDL-cholesterol; elevated (P?0.05) triglycerides (TG) at 1000 and 2000 mg/kg/day; elevated (P?0.05), and LDL-cholesterol at 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day, relative to the control. While the level of liver total cholesterol (TC) reduced significantly, it increased in the heart. Catalase (CAT) activity in the liver increased significantly (P?0.05) at all doses. The dose of 1000 mg/kg/day significantly (P?0.05) elevated kidney CAT activity. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in liver and heart reduced (P?0.05) at 500 mg/kg/day. At all doses, the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) in plasma, liver and heart were comparable with the control. Although, there were no significant changes in plasma and liver glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity at all doses, animals given 500 mg/kg had reduction (P?0.05) in the heart GSH-PX activity compared to the control. Conclusion: Oral sub-acute AESG at high doses altered lipid homeostasis in plasma and heart without lipid peroxidation or oxidative stress. The extract has the potential to cause hyperlipidemia.