Atypical Saturated Fatty Acid Profile of Afraegle paniculata Seed Oil Induces Hyperlipidemia in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Amidst the nutrition transition in West Africa, the scientific validation of traditional food resources is imperative. This study provides the first biochemical and metabolic characterization of seed oil from Afraegle paniculata, a plant integral to Togolese traditional practices but heretofore unexamined for its dietary impact. Methods: Oil was extracted from A. paniculata seeds (Soxhlet) and its fatty acid composition determined by GC-MS. Subsequently, a 28-day in vivo study was conducted, wherein male Wistar rats were orally administered the oil (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 µL/g body weight) to evaluate its effects on serum lipid profiles (TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C) compared to groundnut oil and a control. Results: The GC-MS analysis revealed an atypical lipid profile, dominated by saturated fatty acids (SFAs) at 93.5%. The principal constituents were lauric acid (C12:0; 60.73%) and myristic acid (C14:0; 25.56%). In vivo, administration of A. paniculata oil induced a significant, dose-dependent hyperlipidemia. This was characterized by a pronounced elevation in serum triglycerides at all doses (p < 0.01) and a significant increase in total cholesterol at the highest dose (p < 0.05) relative to the control group. Conclusion: The unique SFA composition of A. paniculata seed oil, particularly its high concentration of lauric and myristic acids, provides a direct mechanistic basis for its potent hyperlipidemic effects. These findings caution against the promotion of this traditional oil for widespread culinary use, as it could paradoxically exacerbate the growing burden of cardiovascular disease in the region.