ABSTRACT
Elevated levels of total cholesterol in the bloodstream are recognized as a major risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Natural compounds derived from plants, known as phytochemicals, have emerged as promising agents for cholesterol management. Kigelia africana, a tree indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, has been traditionally used for its diverse medicinal properties and is known to contain a rich array of phytochemicals. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive phytochemical screening of Kigelia africana fruit extract and investigate its potential impact on total cholesterol levels arthritic rats. The phytochemical analysis encompassed the identification and quantification of bioactive compounds present in Kigelia africana fruit extract. A total of nine experimental groups of rats were employed in this investigation, comprising a normal control group, a paraffin oil control group, a negative control group, and groups subjected to distinct doses of Kigelia africana fruit extract. Additional groups were treated with dexamethasone and quercetin to provide reference points. Total cholesterol levels were meticulously measured in each group using established analytical methods. The phytochemical screening of Kigelia africana fruit extract unveiled a complex profile of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and other polyphenolic constituents. Remarkably, the negative control group, subjected to an undisclosed treatment, demonstrated a significant reduction in total cholesterol levels, an indication of the paradoxical effect of rheumatoid arthritis on serum lipid levels. However, the groups exposed to varying doses of Kigelia africana fruit extract exhibited dose-dependent responses. Specifically, some dosage regimens resulted in pronounced reductions in total cholesterol levels, whereas others yielded increases. This comprehensive study provides intricate insights into the phytochemical composition of Kigelia africana fruit extract, showcasing its rich repertoire of bioactive compounds. The study's intriguing findings indicate a potential cholesterol-lowering effect associated with the treatment administered to the negative control group. Nevertheless, the dose-dependent responses observed in the Kigelia africana fruit extract-treated groups underscore the multifaceted nature of phytochemical interventions in cholesterol regulation. Further research endeavors are imperative to unravel the precise mechanisms of action and ascertain the safety profiles of Kigelia africana fruit extract in the context of cholesterol management. Such investigations hold promise for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for addressing dyslipidemia and its associated health risks.
