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ABSTRACT
Jatropha curcas is a plant, which has been applied and used for medicine and food. This study investigated the phytochemical composition of Jatropha curcas leaf and the effect of its methanolic extract on Total lipid profile of albino wistar rats. Twenty four (24) albino rats divided into four groups of six rats each and weighing between 150g and 170g were used for the study. Group 1 served as the standard control and no extract was administered. Group 2,3 and 4 were fed with growers pellet and were administered varying concentrations of methanolic leaf extract (100mg,200mg and 300mg respectively) daily for 14days respectively. After the feeding which lasted 14days, blood samples were collected from each rats via the abdominal aorta and heart for analysis. The parameters analysed were High density lipoprotein (HDL), Low density lipoprotein (LDL), Triacylglycerol (TAG) and Total cholesterol concentrations. The results showed that 200mg/kg body weight of methanol extract of Jatropha curcas was able to elevate the concentration of HDL cholesterol and consequently decreased the concentration of LDL cholesterol as compared to control. This shows that the methanol extract of Jatropha curcas could be used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases as claimed by traditional herbalists.
