Comparative Effects of Xylopia aethiopica and Piper guineense Extracts on Blood Glucose and Lipid Profiles in Non-Pregnant and Lactating Rats
Nnoruka Eugenia Obiageli *
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science & Technology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, PMB 6059, Igbariam, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Obi-Ezeani Chikaodili Nwando
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science & Technology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, PMB 6059, Igbariam, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Ifeoma Joy Onuora
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science & Technology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, PMB 6059, Igbariam, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Nwagbara Ijeoma Jacinta
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Facility of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
Chinwe Ebele Ejike
Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, PMB 6059, Igbariam, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Onyema-Iloh Obiageli Bridget
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ltuku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria.
Ndubueze Chidiebere Promise
Department of Chemical Pathology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Xylopia aethiopica and Piper guineense are widely consumed West African spices traditionally used during the postpartum period, but their effects on glucose and lipid homeostasis during lactation remain insufficiently characterised. This study evaluated the effects of individual and combined aqueous seed extracts of X. aethiopica and P. guineense on blood glucose and lipid profiles in lactating albino Wistar rats. Fifty albino Wistar rats, comprising 40 pregnant rats on day 14 of gestation and 10 non-pregnant rats, were divided into five groups (n=10). Seeds of X. aethiopica and P. guineense were dried, powdered and separately extracted by macerating 200 g of each powdered seed in 600 mL of distilled water for 48 h, after which the mixtures were filtered and the aqueous extracts concentrated. Group A comprised non-pregnant, non-lactating controls; Group B, untreated lactating controls; Groups C and D received X. aethiopica (0.144 g/180 g body weight) and P. guineense (0.192 g/180 g body weight) seed extracts, respectively; and Group E received the combined extracts. The extracts were administered orally in 1 mL of distilled water twice daily for 21 days. Random blood glucose (RBS), total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C and triglycerides (TG) were determined using standard biochemical methods. RBS and TC showed no significant differences among the groups (P>0.05). Compared with the control groups, HDL-C was significantly increased in the extract-treated groups, reaching 2.77 ± 0.04, 3.15 ± 0.06 and 2.98 ± 0.07 mmol/L in Groups C, D and E, respectively, while LDL-C was significantly reduced to 0.53 ± 0.12, 0.24 ± 0.05 and 0.30 ± 0.06 mmol/L, respectively. Group D recorded the lowest VLDL-C (0.37 ± 0.02 mmol/L) and TG (0.70 ± 0.09 mmol/L). Aqueous seed extracts of X. aethiopica and P. guineense, administered individually or in combination, did not significantly alter blood glucose or total cholesterol but produced favourable alterations in selected lipid parameters, particularly increased HDL-C and reduced LDL-C. These findings suggest potential lipid-modulating activity during lactation, although further studies are required to establish the underlying mechanisms and long-term safety.
Keywords: Xylopia aethiopica, Piper guineense, seed extract, lactation, blood glucose, lipid profile, HDL-C, LDL-C, Wistar rats