Effect of avocado seed extract on lipid profile and atherogenic index in cyclosporine-treated rats

Abstract

Hypertension is a global health issue because of its high prevalence and its association with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This work evaluated the anti-dyslipidemic potential of aqueous extract of avocado seed (APE) (50 – 100 mg/kg) in adult male wistar rats. Twenty-five rats were used for this work and divided into five groups of 5 rats each (n= 5). Group 1 (normal control), group 2 (cyclosporine alone), group 3 (cyclosporine + 5 mg of lisinopril), group 4 and 5 (cyclosporine + 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg b.wt of extract respectively). Treatments lasted for 7 days and the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Plasma samples from the rats were used for lipid profile analysis such as; total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high density lipoprotein. The results showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and total cholesterol (TCH), as well as significant (p < 0.05) decrease in HDL and atherogenic index in cyclosporine only treated rats compared with the normal control group. However, treatment with aqueous extract of avocado seed (APE) caused a significant decrease in TG, LDL, and total cholesterol, with concomitant increase in HDL concentration and atherogenic index in a dose-dependent manner. The findings of this study suggest that avocado seed extract has anti-dyslipidemic potential which could be useful in the management of hypertension and other diseases arising from dyslipidemia.