Effects of Ethanol Extract of Cola Lepidota Seed on Lipid Profile and Haematological Parameters of Albino Wistar Rats

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ethanol seed extract of Cola lepidota (Monkey kola) on lipid profile and haematological parameters of albino wistar rats.Twenty eight (28) adult albino wistar rats weighing between 170g-200g were randomly divided into four groups of 7 rats each.The control group (I) was fed with normal rat chow ad libitum.Group II received daily oral dose of 100mg/kg of the extract, Group III received daily oral dose of 200mg/kg of extract while Group IV received daily oral dose of 300mg/kg.After 21 days of treatment, the animals were sacrificed and plasma obtained for haematological assay and lipid profile determination.Results indicated that there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in total cholesterol (mmol/L), triglyceride (mmol/L) and low density lipoprotein (mmol/L) in test groups compared to control.The result showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in packed cell volume (%), haemoglobin (g/dl), mean corpuscular volume (fl), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (pg), WBC count (µL), platelet count (µL).There was however a significant decrease (p<0.05) in mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (g/ml) compared to control.It was therefore concluded that the extract is capable of stimulating haematopoeisis and is a potent antihyperlipidaemic agent and should therefore be used in the management of cardiovascular disease risk factors.