Abstract:
The effects of various aqueous extracts of the leaves and seeds of Persea
americana, a widely used medicinal plant, on the activities of alkaline phosphatase
(ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), alanine aminotrasferase (ALT), and aspartate
aminotransferase (AST) of some rat tissues were studied. Also the effects on some
metabolites such as cholesterol, total protein and albumin were equally investigated.
The result revealed a significant decrease (P<O.OS) in the activities of all the
enzymes studied in the liver or the rats, and this was complimented with an increase
in the activity of these enzymes in the plasma. The result indicated a probable damage
to the hepatic cells, which implied that prolonged usage of the aqueous extracts of the
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leaves and seeds of Persa americana might lead to cell destruction.
Phytochemical studies carried out revealed the plant leaves and seeds to
contain saponins, tannins, alkaloids and phlobatannins, The mineral composition
result also revealed the plants to be very rich in K, Mg and Ca. Also, the proximate
composition result revealed the plants to have a high content of crude fibre and
carbohydrate.
However, the cholesterol levels of the plasma and liver of the rat were
observed to decrease significantly (P<O.OS) at the end of the experiment. A significant
decrease in cholesterol level wi II lower blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of
cardiovascular disease, hypertension and other hearts related disease K, and Mg have
hypocholesteric effect as well as a fibre-rich diet. All these shows that the usage of the
aqueous extract of the leaves and seeds .of Persea americana will lower blood
pressure .and hence treat hypertension.
