Phytochemical, Hypolipidemic, and Lipid Peroxidation Inhibitory Activities of Ethanol Extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera Fruit in Albino Rats Intoxicated with Carbon Tetrachloride

Nwafor, Maryann Nonye and Patricia, Chinedum – Eluka and Ogunwa, Chinedu Shedrack and Eji, Michael Obinna and Ikimi, Charles German and Godwin, Nkechinyere Florence and Whyte, Alalibo Jim (2025) Phytochemical, Hypolipidemic, and Lipid Peroxidation Inhibitory Activities of Ethanol Extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera Fruit in Albino Rats Intoxicated with Carbon Tetrachloride. GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, 22 (2). 058-070. ISSN 2582-4597

The fruits of Tetrapleura tetraptera, belonging to the Fabaceae family, have long been used in traditional medicine for managing various health conditions. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, hypolipidemic effects, and lipid peroxidation inhibitory properties of the ethanol extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit in albino rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Proximate composition, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis, acute toxicity, lipid profiles, and lipid peroxidation inhibition activities were determined using standard methods. Thirty albino rats were randomly assigned to six groups of five rats each. The proximate composition of the whole fruit revealed the following (%): moisture (17.07), ash (17.17), lipid (10.10), fiber (5.26), protein (15.77), carbohydrate (34.62), and caloric value (1222.28 kJ/100g). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, coumarins, glycosides, and amino acids. Quantitative analysis showed varying levels of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids (0.08 ± 0.004), phenolics (0.38 ± 0.09), saponins (6.07 ± 1.01), and others. CCl4-induced intoxication led to hyperlipidemia, with elevated serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TAG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels decreased. Treatment with Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit extract (100, 300, 500 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced serum TC, TAG, and LDL levels and increased HDL. Additionally, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher in the CCl4 group but decreased significantly with treatment. These findings suggest that Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit extract exhibits promising hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects, supporting its traditional use in managing conditions like inflammation, cardiovascular disorders, and diabetes mellitus.