Hypolipidemic Effect ofTelfairia occidentalis(Fluted Pumpkin) in Rats Fed a Cholesterol-Rich Diet

Abstract

Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) is one of the commonly consumed leafy vegetables in Nigeria. In order to justify its inclusion in herbal preparations in African traditional medicine, the possible hypolipidemic effect of this vegetable was investigated in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet. The ability of Questran, a hypolipidemic drug, to attenuate hypercholesterolemia was also examined. Rats were fed with either a basal diet containing cholic acid (0.2%) or a supplemented diet with T. occidentalis at the 3% and 6% levels. Oral administration of cholesterol for 9 consecutive weeks resulted in a significant increase (P < .001) in the relative weight of the heart of cholesterol-fed rats. However, supplemented diets significantly (P < .001) ameliorated the cholesterol-induced enlargement of the heart. Rats fed on supplemented diets had a dose-dependent reduction in plasma and postmitochondrial supernatant fraction (PMF) cholesterol levels. In particular, supplemented diets containing 3% and 6% T. occidentalis decreased plasma and PMF cholesterol levels by 20% and 30% and by 30% and 45%, respectively. A similar decrease in plasma and PMF cholesterol levels was obtained in Questran-treated hypercholesterolemic rats. Furthermore, 3% and 6% T. occidentalis-supplemented diets significantly (P < .05) decreased the cholesterol-induced increase in plasma and PMF low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by 24% and 48% and by 28% and 52%, respectively. In contrast, there was no significant difference (P > .05) in plasma and PMF triglyceride levels of rats fed on supplemented diets when compared with cholesterol-fed rats. There were significant decreases (P < .05) in lipid peroxidation levels in rats fed on the supplemented diets. Specifically, 3% and 6% T. occidentalis-supplemented diets decreased plasma and PMF lipid peroxidation by 24% and 20% and by 42% and 21%, respectively. This study demonstrates that T. occidentalis may be a useful therapy for hypercholesterolemia through reducing oxidative stress and cholesterol levels.

Degradation kinetics of carotenoids and visual colour in pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.) slices during microwave-vacuum drying

“…Several studies have indicated that carotenoid intake may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, degenerative and cardiovascular diseases, cataracts and macular degeneration, which plays an important role in disease prevention. [5,6] Carotenoid pigments are sensitive to light, heat, oxygen and acid. [7] Pumpkins and pumpkin products are major sources of β-carotene and contribute significantly to carotenoid intake for humans.…”

Inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities by ethanolic extract of Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) leaf

“…Blanching stops the enzyme action, sets the colour, and shortens the drying and dehydration time [10] . Telfairia occidentalis Hook f. (Curcubitaceae) (T. occidentalis) is a fluted pumpkin and is one of the green leafy vegetables widely consumed in Nigeria [14] . Leaves from this plant constitute an important ingredient in soup making since they are good sources of proteins, vitamins (B-complex), minerals, fatty acids (linoleic and oleic acids), and fibers [10] .…”

Effect of homogenates of avocado pear (<i>Persea americana</i>) seeds and fluted pumpkin (<i>Telfairia occidentalis</i>) leaves coadministered with anti-tuberculosis drugs on liver enzymes of albino rats

“…Also, fluted pumpkin leaf extracts have been found to suppress or prevent production of free radicals and scavenge already produced free radicals, lower lipid peroxidation status and elevates antioxidant enzymes both in vitro and in vivo (Adaramoye et al, 2007;Kayode et al, 2009;Kayode et al, 2010). …”