EFFECTS OF CROTON-CAJUCARA EXTRACT ON SERUM-LIPIDS OF RATS FED A HIGH-FAT DIET

The antihyperlipidaemic property of a hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the leaves of Croton cajucara Benth. (Euphorbiaceae) was studied in rats fed a high fat diet. Ten weeks following daily oral administra tion of plant extract (200 mg/kg), significant reductions in the serum total cholesterol (Tc), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL- c) levels were observed without much change in serum high-density lipo protein cholesterol (HDL-c) and triglycerides. The data also showed a significant elevation in the HDL-c/Tc ratio in plant extract treated r ats compared with the control group. The atherogenic index was signifi cantly decreased by extract treatment. These beneficial effects and th e absence of acute toxicity in C. cajucara extract may be of significa nce in the treatment of atherosclerosis.