Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases are characterized by strokes and coronary artery disease. Hyperlipidemia and free radicals generation in the body are among the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Statin drugs such as lovastatin and atorvastatin are mostly prescribed for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. However, many patients show intolerance toward these drugs and develops mild symptoms, which include myalgia and cramps, to the most severe Rhabdomyolysis. In this study, we have qualitatively determined the phytochemicals in Doum (Hyphaene thebaica) fruit aqueous extract and the antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay. Furthermore, we have investigated the hypolipidemic potential of the extract in Wistar rats. Freshly prepared aqueous extract of the Doum fruit with concentration 200 - 400 mg/kg and 20mg/kg of atorvastatin were orally administered to the Wistar rats fed with high - fat diet for two weeks and were sacrificed for hyperlipidemic analysis. The qualitative determination of the phytochemicals indicates the presence of steroids, saponin, tannins, phlobatannins, terpenoids, alkaloid, glycoside, and flavonoids. The fruit extract shows antioxidant activity by scavenging the DPPH radicals with IC50 of 128 µm/mL. Both the fruit extract and atorvastatin decreased serum total glyceride cholesterol, total cholesterol, LDL, and increased HDL level significantly (P < 0.05). This result revealed the anti-hyperlipidemic, and antioxidant potential of Doum fruit. Therefore, it could be useful in managing hyperlipidemia, thereby reducing the risk factor of cardiovascular diseases in the end.

Metal toxicity on food substances has been a major cause of diseases and conditions in many parts of the world including African countries. In Nigeria, vegetables, which are an integral part of dishes and delicacies, could be liable to heavy metal toxicity and consumption of such could have devastating health consequences. This study aimed to evaluate levels of some heavy metals in vegetables sources from major farming areas in Kano, Northern part of Nigeria. Samples of some commonly consumed vegetables and irrigation waters were obtained from 4 different farming locations in Kano. The samples including the irrigation waters were oven dried and subjected to digestion processes using acid methods. The solution obtained was used to determine levels of Pb, As, Cd, Ni, Zn and Cu using spectrophotometry. The results showed elevated levels of Pb and Cd in water and vegetables from 2 farming sites compared to other location. The results were also higher than the acceptable limits by WHO/FAO. From these results, it was inferenced that vegetables from such areas have significant higher levels of some of these toxic heavy metals and should be point of concern for food monitoring authorities.