Anti-lipidemic and protein restoration potential of Monodora myristica (Gaertn.) in rats fed with cassava containing crude oil

Abstract

Consumption of cassava meal affected by crude oil has significant effects on lipid and protein metabolism. The hepatoprotective action of spices is mostly attributed to the suppression of lipid oxidation and protein breakdown. This study examined the protein restoration and anti-lipidemic potential of Monodora myristica (Gaertn.) in rats fed with cassava contaminated with crude oil. The research involved 36 albino rats separated into six groups (n = 6). Group 1 (control) consumed cassava without crude oil. Group 2 received cassava with crude oil. Groups 3, 4, and 5 fed on cassava with crude oil and various extracts of M. myristica, i.e., aqueous, ethanol, and diethyl ether, respectively. Group 6 received non-ionic synthetic surfactant Tween 80. The experiment relied on standard methods. Blood serum and liver obtained from the rats of Group 2 showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and malondialdehyde, as well as a decrease in total protein, albumin, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The groups that received M. myristica extracts showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in total protein, albumin, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. They also had lower total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and malondialdehyde as compared to Group 2, which dieted on cassava contaminated with crude oil without additives. In this research, crude oil-contaminated cassava affected proteins and lipids in rats. Diethyl ether extract of M. myristica demonstrated the best anti-lipidemic and protein restoration.

Keywords

• cassava meal
• crude petroleum oil
• lipids
• monodora myristica
• protein