Evaluation of Antihyperlipidaemic Activities of Hydromethanolic Extracts of Dioscorea bulbifera

Introduction: Hyperlipidemia is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases (CHDs) with treatment ranging from dietary management and the use of antihyperlipidaemic drugs. The desire for anti-hyperlipidaemic drugs with less side effects has led to the screening of medical with anti-hyperlipidaemic properties.

Aim: The present study is aimed at evaluating the effects of hydromethanolic extracts of Dioscorea bulbifera on high fat diet, tyloxapol and dexamethasone induced hyperlipidaemia using Wistar rat models.

Methodology: Fifty five (55) adult male Wistar rats weighing 180-250 g were used for the study. Natural induction of hyperlipidaemia was done using a formulated High fat diet made from commercial rat chow and rendered cow fat while chemical induction of hyperlipidaemia was done using tyloxapol (200 mg/kg) and dexamethasone (20 mg/kg). The Wistar rats where divided into eleven (11) groups comprising four (5) control groups and seven (6) experimental groups. The extracts were used to treat the hyperlipidaemic rats at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg while Simvastatin was used as a standard. Blood samples of the animals were analyzed for Total cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), High density lipoproteins (HDL), Low density lipoproteins (LDL), Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and Serum glucose were determined by standard enzymatic methods.

Results: The results indicate that the hyperlipidaemic rats treated with extracts of Dioscorea bulbifera had significantly reduced TC, TG, LDL, VLDL and serum glucose compared with the control (untreated hyperlipidaemic rats) (P<0.05). In the same way, the HDL was found to be significantly higher among the treated hyperlipidaemic rats compared with the untreated controls.

Conclusion: The present study shows that hydromethanolic extracts of Dioscorea bulbifera has a possible antihyperlipidaemic potentials as demonstrated by its ability to significantly improve lipid profile and lower serum glucose levels in hyperlipidaemic rat models.