Evaluation of the Effects of Treculia africana Leaves on Lipid Profile, Antioxidant Activity and Some Biochemical Parameters in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Treculia africana (African breadfruit) is widely valued for its nutrient-rich seeds, but its leaves remain underexplored despite their potential as edible leafy vegetables rich in micronutrients and bioactive compounds. Investigating the leaves may reveal nutritional, medicinal (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective) and economic benefits that could support food security, dietary diversification and improved health outcomes. This study evaluated the potential effects of aqueous leaf extract of Treculia africana on cardiac function, lipid profile, antioxidant status and heart histology in male Wistar rats. Eighteen rats were divided into three groups and treated for 28 days with distilled water (control), 200 mg/kg of the extract or 400 mg/kg of the extract. Serum biochemical markers (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL), cardiac antioxidant enzymes (GPx, CAT and SOD) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) were measured, while heart tissues were examined histologically. The results showed no significant changes (p > 0.05) in lipid profile, cardiac enzymes or oxidative stress parameters between treated and control groups. Histological examination revealed normal cardiac structures across all groups. These findings suggest that Treculia africana leaf extract, at the tested doses, did not induce adverse biochemical or structural alterations in the heart.