CHOLESTEROL, TRIGLYCERIDE AND LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN LOWERING EFFECTS OF SEED POWDERS OF MANGIFERA INDICA, SYGYZIUM CUMINI AND TAMARINDUS INDICA IN RATS

Abstract

Seed powders from Mangifera indica (MSP), Sygyzium cumini (SSP) and Tamarindus indica (TSP) are considered to have hypoglycemic potential in the traditional medicinal system of Bangladesh. We examined serum glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) lowering ability in Wistar rats when the above seed powders were administered in diet, alone or in combination. Rats were divided into 11 groups. Group 1 was fed a high fat-high sucrose diet. The other groups received respectively (w/w diet), 0.1 and 1% MSP (Groups 2, 3), 0.1 and 1% TSP (Groups 4, 5), 0.1 and 1% SSP (Groups 6, 7), 0.1% SSP + 0.1% TSP (Group 8), 0.1% SSP + 1% TSP (Group 9), 1% SSP + 0.1% TSP (Group 10), and 1% SSP + 1% TSP (Group 11). All groups received diet ad libitum for 30 days. Significant reduction of serum glucose was observed in Groups 4, 5 and 8. Significant reduction of serum TC was observed in Groups 8-11. Significant reduction of serum TG was observed in Groups 3-5. Significant reductions in serum LDL was observed in Groups 6-11. Taken together, the results validate the use of TSP in traditional medicine to lower glucose and further suggest that the above seed powders, alone or in combination, can be used for lowering of serum TC, TG and LDL. The rats did not manifest any signs of toxicity, when given the above seed powders.