Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Pterocarpus mildbreadii seed on plasma HDL cholesterol levels in albino rats. Pterocarpus mildbreadii, commonly known as African rosewood, is a plant with known medicinal properties. HDL cholesterol, often referred to as "good cholesterol," plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health by helping to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. In this experiment, 30 albino rats were randomly divided into three groups control group, low-dose Pterocarpus mildbreadii seed group, and high-dose Pterocarpus mildbreadii seed group. The control group received a standard diet, while the treatment groups received the same diet supplemented with either a low or high dose of Pterocarpus mildbreadii seed extract for a period of 8 weeks. At the end of the study period, blood samples were collected from all rats, and plasma HDL cholesterol levels were measured using standard laboratory techniques. The results showed a significant increase in plasma HDL cholesterol levels in the high-dose Pterocarpus mildbreadii seed group compared to both the control group and the low-dose group. However, there was no significant difference between the control group and the low-dose group. These findings suggest that Pterocarpus mildbreadii seed may have a beneficial effect on plasma HDL cholesterol levels in albino rats, particularly at higher doses. The potential mechanism behind this effect could be attributed to the bioactive compounds present in Pterocarpus mildbreadii seed extract, which may enhance the production or function of HDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. Further studies are warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms of action and to determine the optimal dosage of Pterocarpus mildbreadii seed for improving plasma HDL cholesterol levels in animal models and potentially in human subjects. Understanding the impact of Pterocarpus mildbreadii seed on HDL cholesterol metabolism could have implications for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for managing dyslipidemia and reducing cardiovascular risk factors. In conclusion, this study provides preliminary evidence that Pterocarpus mildbreadii seed may positively influence plasma HDL cholesterol levels in albino rats. Future research in this area may lead to the development of new therapeutic interventions to improve cardiovascular health and prevent related diseases.

Thesis Overview

1.0 Pterocarpus mildbreadii are trees with edible parts successfully budded, pterocarpus species (P.Soyauxii and P. mildbeadii are reported to have different patterns of leaf flush, one spontanous and the other intermitted making the first suitable for commercial production and the second the home production (Okafor 1978). Pterocarpus mildbreadii being the major case study both the vegetable and the seeds.
The vegetable is majorly used in our various home for cooking. Pterocarpus mildbreadii (Oha seed) are not consumed by the people from the eastern part of Nigeria. So it cannot be majorly stated the content of this oha seed.
The demand for vegetable oils as a result of diminishing source of oils and fats creates the needs for new sources as well as exploiting sources that are currently unexploited in order to supplement the existing ones (Minzangi et al. 2011).
As industrialists continues to rely mostly on the popular vegetable oil like coconut oil, soyabeans oil, ground nut oil, palm oil etc. for the preparation and production of their various product