Antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic activity of hydroethanolic seed extract of Aframomum melegueta K. Schum in Triton X-100 induced hyperlipidemic rats

In Nigeria, Aframomum melegueta seed tincture extract is used in the management of cardiovascular disease and obesity. This study thus evaluates the antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic activity in Triton X-100 induced hyperlipidemic rats. The phytochemical constituents of the extract were identified using gas chromatography linked with mass spectrometer. In vitro antioxidant activity of the extract (0.2-1.0 mg/mL) was investigated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, superoxide ion, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical. In vivo antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic properties of the extract were evaluated in Triton X-100 induced hyperlipidemia in rats. Gas-chromatogram indicates the presence of 11 components with Trans beta-ocimene being the major constituent. The extract scavenged DPPH, H2O2 and OH- radical concentration dependently. Triton X-100 significantly (p < 0.05) increased the serum total cholesterol, triacylglycerol and low-density lipoprotein with a concomitant reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. These alterations were significantly ameliorated by the extract. Triton X-100-mediated decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase were significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated. Altered levels of glutathione reduced and glutathione disulfide were significantly (p < 0.05) restored to normal. Triton X-100-mediated increase in the concentrations of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl were significantly (p < 0.05) lowered by the extract. It is evident from this study that hydroethanolic extract of A. melegueta seed possess antioxidants and antihyperlipidemic properties. (C) 2016 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.