Project 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 is a plant commonly found in West Africa known for its medicinal properties. The study involved a total of 30 albino rats divided into three groups control group, low-dose Pterocarpus mildbreadii seed group, and high-dose Pterocarpus mildbreadii seed group. The rats were administered the seed extract for a period of 4 weeks. Results from the study indicated a significant increase in plasma HDL cholesterol levels in the high-dose Pterocarpus mildbreadii seed group compared to the control group. However, there was no significant change observed in the low-dose group when compared to the control group. The findings suggest a dose-dependent effect of Pterocarpus mildbreadii seed on plasma HDL cholesterol levels in albino rats. Further analysis revealed that the high-dose group also exhibited a decrease in LDL cholesterol levels, although this change was not statistically significant. Additionally, there were no significant changes in total cholesterol levels observed in either of the treatment groups compared to the control group. The study also investigated the potential mechanism by which Pterocarpus mildbreadii seed may influence plasma HDL cholesterol levels. It was hypothesized that the phytochemical constituents present in the seed extract could be responsible for the observed effects. Phytochemical analysis of the seed extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, which are known to have beneficial effects on cholesterol metabolism. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that Pterocarpus mildbreadii seed has the potential to increase plasma HDL cholesterol levels in albino rats in a dose-dependent manner. The findings support the traditional use of this plant in ethnomedicine for its cholesterol-modulating effects. Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific compounds responsible for this effect and to explore the potential therapeutic implications for hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular health.

Project 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