Cocoa powder extracts exhibits hypolipidemic potential in cholesterol-fed rats.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Hypercholesterolemia and oxidative stress are risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.

OBJECTIVES:

This study investigated the hypolipidemic effect of cocoa powder extract (CPE) in an experimental model of hypercholesterolemia, using Questran as a reference.

METHODS:

Hypercholesterolemia in rats was induced by oral administration of 30 mg/kg cholesterol for eight weeks. Three groups concurrently received Questran (0.26 g/kgb) and CPE (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) respectively. Hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia were assessed by lipid profile. Reduced glutathione (GSH), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were also assessed to evaluate the antioxidant status of rats.

RESULTS:

There was 56% and 97% increase in total and LDL-cholesterol and 59% decrease in HDL-cholesterol levels on cholesterol administration. Concurrent administration of CPE (100 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased total cholesterol (19%) and LDL-cholesterol (22%) and increased HDL-cholesterol (286%) levels while at 200 mg/kg, 55% and 64% reductions in total and LDL-cholesterol and 250% increase in HDL-cholesterol levels were observed. No significant changes were observed in phospholipid levels. Body weights of rats were not significantly different among groups and CPE (100 mg/kg) ameliorated the cholesterol-induced enlargement of the liver and heart by 14% and 15% respectively and at 200 mg/kg by 21% in the heart. GSH and CAT were significantly depleted, and MDA and SOD significantly elevated in liver and heart of Cholesterol-fed rats. No significant changes in GST, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases occurred among groups. CPE treatment modulated these changes.

CONCLUSION:

Cocoa powder possesses hypolipidemic potential and may be relevant in treating pathologies with dyslipidemia as an underlying cause.

• Authors: S O Nwichi, E K Adewole, A O Dada, O Ogidiama, O E Mokobia, E O Farombi
• Journal: African journal of medicine and medical sciences (Afr J Med Med Sci) Vol. 41 Suppl Pg. 39-49 (Dec 2012) ISSN: 0309-3913 [Print] Nigeria
• PMID: 23678635 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anticholesteremic Agents
• Antioxidants
• Cholesterol, Dietary
• Cholesterol, HDL
• Cholesterol, LDL
• Plant Extracts
• Powders
• Cholestyramine Resin

Topics

• Animals
• Anticholesteremic Agents (administration & dosage, pharmacokinetics)
• Antioxidants (metabolism)
• Biological Availability
• Cacao
• Cholesterol, Dietary (administration & dosage)
• Cholesterol, HDL (blood)
• Cholesterol, LDL (blood)
• Cholestyramine Resin (administration & dosage, pharmacokinetics)
• Disease Models, Animal
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Drug Monitoring
• Hypercholesterolemia (drug therapy, etiology, metabolism)
• Lipid Metabolism (drug effects)
• Male
• Plant Extracts (administration & dosage, pharmacokinetics)
• Powders
• Rats
• Rats, Wistar
• Treatment Outcome