ABSTRACT

This study investigated the fatty acid composition of Dacryodes edulis, Persea americana and Canarium schweinfurthii and the influences of their oils on lipid profile in male albino rats. The fatty acid analysis using gas chromatography showed that Dacryodes edulis contains stearic (C 18) and oleic acid (C 18:1), Persea americana contains caprylic (C8), capric (C 10) and stearic (18) acid while Canarium schweinfurthii contains myristic (C14) and stearic (C 18) acid. The effect of administration of petroleum ether extract of Dacryodes edulis (D.e), Persea americana (P.a) and Canarium schweinfurthii (C.$) on lipid profile in experimental animals was evaluated and compared with the control (olive oil). A total of 32 male albino rats were randomly assigned into eight groups of four rats each. Group 1 and 2 received high dose (2 ml/kg body weight) and low dose (1 mI/kg body weight) (P.a) oil respectively, group 3 and 4 received (D.e) oil at 2 rnl/kg and lml/kg body weight respectively, group 5 and 6 received (C.$) oil at 2 ml/kg and lml/kg while group 7 (Oil control) received olive oil at 2 rnl/kg body weight and group 8 (Standard control) was fed only rat chow and water. The experiment lasted for 28 days. Relative organ weight was calculated from the ratio of organ weight to body weight of the rats on the day of sacrifice. Biochemical parameters were assayed using standard procedure. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 17 statistical packages for Windows. Results showed that mean body weight increased significantly (P<0.05) in groups 1 and 3 (156.25 ± 12.473 and 156.25 ± 12.583) compared to group 7 (125.75 ± 25.734) but decreased significantly (P><0.05) in group 5 (124.25 ± 26.688). Relative kidney weight decreased non-significantly (P>0.05) in groups 1, 2 and 3 (0.008 ± 0.001; 0.009 ± 0.008; 0.009 0.001) compared to group 7 (0.010 ± 0.002). Serum cholesterol concentrations (mmol/L) decreased non-significantly (P>0.05) in group 2 (3.475 ± 0.300) and group 4 (3.600 + 0.476) compared to group 7 control (4.550 ± 0.550). LDL cholesterol decreased non-significantly (P>0.05) in groups 1, 2 and 4 (1.905 + 0.184; 1.815 ± 0.265 and 1.785 ± 0.545) compared to the control group (2.995 ± 0.618). HDL cholesterol increased non-significantly (p>O.OS) in group 1 and 4 (1.775 + 0.411 and 1.600 ± 0.141) compared to group 7 (1.350 ± 0.100). These findings suggest that the Avocado and African pear could serve as good sources of edible oil while the Black pear could actually be used to reduce weight especially in obese individuals.