Abstract:
The plasma lipid levels of rats treated for 14 days, with oral graded doses 5.0, 50.0 and
1OOmg/kgbody weight) of aqueous leaf extract of Amaranthus spinosus were i estigated.It was
observed that relative to the control (water-treated) animals, the extract - treat Q animals showed
decreased plasma total cholesterol, HDL - cholesterol, LDL - cholesterol and riglyceride levels.
The HDLA,DL - cholesterol ratio decreased in the treated animals which a so showed reduced
gain in body weight relative to the control. The effects of the extract on th se parameters were
dose dependent. It was suggested that prolonged consumption of Amaranthus spinosus could
prevent atherosclerosis.
