Effect of Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaf Extract Consumption on Lipid Concentrations and Cardiovascular Risk Indices in Apparently Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Bryophyllum pinnatum has been consumed locally for various ailments without proper documentation of It’s effect on Lipid concentrations and cardiovascular risk indices in humans. This study sought to determine the effect of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract consumption on lipid concentrations and cardiovascular risk indices in apparently healthy individuals by estimating Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), Castelli Risk Index I and II, Total protein and Albumin in 15 apparently healthy individuals after consumption of 1.32g/180ml of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract for 14 days. Samples taken before the commencement of the study served as control samples, while samples collected on the 1st, 7th and 14thday after consumption of 1.32g/180ml of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract served as test samples. Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, High Density Lipoprotein were estimated using Colorimetric methods. Total protein was estimated using Biuret method while Albumin was estimated using Bromocresol green method. The results showed that levels of LDL(1.04±0.44mmol/l), AIP(-0.34±0.09), Castelli index I (2.16±0.53) and Castelli index II(0.94±0.47) were significantly reduced (p<0.05) after 7 days of consumption when compared to control LDL(2.65±0.18mmol/l),AIP(-0.15±0.18), Castelli index I (3.84±0.32) and Castelli index II(2.44±0.33).Further comparism of levels of LDL(2.22±0.74mmol/l),AIP((-0.15±0.18), Castellic index I ((3.74±1.80) and Castellic index II (2.42±0.98) after 14 days of consumption with levels after 7 days LDL(1.04±0.44mmol/l), AIP(-0.34±0.09), Castelli index I (2.16±0.53) and Castelli index II(0.94±0.47) showed significant increase (p< 0.05). Results obtained suggest that short term consumption of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract would reduce cardiovascular risk indices in humans but continuous long term use can predispose consumers to increased risk of developing cardiovascular pathological consequences.