The Potential Effect of Aqueous Extract of Detarium microcarpum Bark on Certain Metabolic Disorders Associated with an Atherogenic Diet in Rats

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of the cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the aqueous extract of Detarium microcarpum on metabolic disorders in rats fed with an atherogenic diet. The extract at two doses (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) was co-administered in rats with an atherogenic diet. After 28 days, rats were sacrificed, blood collected in ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes for plasma preparation, and the heart used for homogenate preparation. These plasma and heart homogenates were used to assess lipid profile, cardiac function (NO, ASAT), and hepatic function (ALAT, ASAT, and totals proteins). The results obtained showed that treatment (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg extract) led to a significant decrease in TG, VLDL-c, LDL-c, HDL-c, and non-HDL-c compared to untreated rats (positive control) (p < 0.001). Similarly, the cardiovascular risk index (IR, CRR, AC and AIP), were significantly low in the treated groups compared to untreated groups (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the CPI was higher in threated groups (p < 0.001). The percentage of vascular protection in rats receiving the extract was higher compared to rats treated with atorvastatin. The evaluation of cardiac function showed high levels of NO and ASAT in the heart of rats treated with the extract (p < 0.05). The plasma activity of ASAT and ALAT was low in the groups treated with the extract (p < 0.05). A low plasma level of total protein was also observed in the same groups (p < 0.001). Therefore, the aqueous bark extract of D. microcarpum administered orally showed anti-atherogenic, cardioprotective, and hepatoprotective potential.