Proximate Composition, Phytochemical Composition, and Hypolipidemic Activities of Methanolic Extracts of Selected Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Medicine in Southern Nigeria

Okari, Karibo Amakiri; Owo, Gogo James; Kpomah, Enyohwo Dennis

doi:10.61882/rabms.11.3.244

Volume 11, Issue 3 (8-2025) Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences 2025, 11(3): 244-253 | Back to browse issues page

‎ 10.61882/rabms.11.3.244

Ethics code: DRQA/FUO/0121/10/11/24

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Okari K A, Owo G J, Kpomah E D. Proximate Composition, Phytochemical Composition, and Hypolipidemic Activities of Methanolic Extracts of Selected Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Medicine in Southern Nigeria. Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences 2025; 11 (3) :244-253
URL: http://ijrabms.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-393-en.html

Proximate Composition, Phytochemical Composition, and Hypolipidemic Activities of Methanolic Extracts of Selected Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Medicine in Southern Nigeria

Karibo Amakiri Okari

, Gogo James Owo ^*

, Enyohwo Dennis Kpomah

Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Ignatius Ajuru university of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria , gogojames76@gmail.com

Abstract: (96 Views)

Background This study examined the proximate composition, phytochemical profile, and hypolipidemic effects of methanolic extracts from four medicinal plants used in Southern Nigeria: Vernonia amygdalina, Ocimum gratissimum, Moringa oleifera, and Gongronema latifolium. The goal was to assess their nutritional value and potential for lipid regulation and cardiovascular health.
Methods Proximate analysis of moisture, protein, fat, ash, fiber, and carbohydrates was performed using Association of Official Analytical Chemists protocols. Qualitative tests identified the presence of flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and phenols. Thirty male Wistar rats (150–180 g) were divided into five groups, fed a high-fat diet to induce hyperlipidemia, and treated orally with plant extracts (200 mg/kg) for 21 days. Serum lipid levels (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein) and liver enzymes (ALT and AST) were measured.
Results Moringa oleifera had the highest protein (21.5%), fat (8.0%), and ash (5.8%). V. amygdalina contained the most fibre (15.0%), while G. latifolium had the highest carbohydrate content (56.3%). All extracts contained key phytochemicals. Treatment significantly (p < 0.05) reduced TC, TG, and LDL and increased HDL. M. oleifera showed the strongest lipid-lowering effect. Extracts also lowered ALT and AST levels. O. gratissimum and V. amygdalina offered the greatest hepatoprotective activity.
Conclusion These plants provide nutritional and therapeutic benefits. They improve lipid balance and protect liver function without toxicity. Their strong potential as safe, natural agents for managing hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular risk warrants further clinical trials.

Keywords: Hepatoprotective, Hypolipidemic, Lipid profile, Medicinal plants, Phytochemical, Proximate

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Type of Study: orginal article | Subject: General

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