Effect of Aqueous Extract of Ziziphus mauritiana Leaf on Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels in Serum and Liver of Rats Administered Alcohol

Abstract: Effects of aqueous extract of Ziziphus mauritiana (Zm) leaf on serum and liver cholesterol and triacylglycerol were studied in chronic alcohol administered rats. Pretreatment co-administration and post treatment protocols were employed. Rats fed alcohol only for 6 weeks had significantly (p<0.05) elevated levels of both serum and liver cholesterol and triglyceride. Pretreatment of rats with 400 mg/kg bw of aqueous extract of Zm leaf prior to alcohol administration significantly (p<0.05) inhibited both levels of serum and liver cholesterol and triglyceride. Co-administration of alcohol with 400 mg/kg bw aqueous extract of Zm leaf significantly (p<0.05) inhibited serum triglyceride level only. Post treatment of alcohol fed rats with 400 mg/kg aqueous extract of Zm for 2 weeks significantly (p<0.05) reduced the levels of both serum and liver cholesterol and triglyceride. Aqueous extract of Zm leaf can be used for the prevention and treatment of fatty liver, atherosclerosis and other diseases associated with high levels of cholesterol and triglyceride. Pretreatment was found to confer more protection than co-treatment, hence pretreatment should be preferred. Key words: Ziziphus mauritiana, alcohol, cholesterol, triglycerid