Evaluation of lipogenic property of Phragmanthera capitata in diabetic rats

Objective: Phragmanthera capitata is a parasitic plant employed in the treatment of wide range of disorders in Cameroon folkloric medicine. The present study was carried out to evaluate lipogenic property of aqueous extract of the whole plant in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Diabetic rats were grouped and treated as follows: Group I (control) received 10 ml/kg saline, Group II (standard) received 600 µg/kg glibenclamide and Groups III-V (tests) received 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg aqueous extract of P. capitata (AEPC) respectively for 15 days. Body weights of animals were recorded and blood glucose levels were assessed from tail prick in the course of the experiment. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and blood was collected via cardiac puncture for lipid profiling. Results: Body weight revealed a significant (P ≤0.05) increase except for the group treated with 400 mg/kg extract as compared to control group. Treatment with extract did not result in any significant change (P ≥0.05) in blood glucose level at all extract concentrations. However, the extract at 200 mg/kg significantly (P ≤0.05) reduced total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), non-high density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol levels, LDL/HDL ratio and significantly increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. Conclusion: Considering that lipogenesis encompasses both fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis, P. capitata aqueous extract at 200 mg/kg acted as anti-lipogenic agent. The extract also potentiated weight gain but exhibited non-significant (P ≥0.05) effect on blood glucose concentrations at the dose levels used.