Effects of Crude Extract of Ageratum conyzoides on Serum Lipid Profile in Albino mice and its Haemostatic Effects - Abstract
Ageratum conyzoides has long been used in herbal or folk medicine as a remedy for the treatments of high blood pressure, cut wounds and heart related diseases. This study was carried out to study the haemostatic effects and effects of Ageratum conyzoides, ethanol and aqueous leaf extracts on serum lipid profile in albino mice. Twenty four (24) albino mice weighing between 30-50g of both sexes were used. Six different groups each with 4 in number were made and mice were selected randomly. Mice were tagged with code A, E and C. Group C (control) was given normal saline daily for 14 days. Group E were treated orally with 0.7g/kg bwt of ethanolic extract of Ageratum conyzoides for 14 days. Group A were treated orally with 0.7g/kg bwt of the aqueous extract daily for 14 days. In all groups, the blood samples were obtained by cardiac puncture under chloroform anaesthesia to determine clotting time and effects of extracts on serum lipid profile. A skin puncture was made quickly using disposable lancet to determine bleeding time. Results indicated that Ageratum conyzoides extracts caused significant reduction in bleeding and clotting time. Aqueous extracts was more effective than ethanolic leaf extract. Both the extracts also lower the concentrations of serum total cholesterol, triacylglycerol and LDL-cholesterol. There was also a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol concentration in mice administered extracts compared with the control. The study suggests that ethanolic and aqueous leaf extract of A. conyzoides possesses haemostatic activities and might be useful in the treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases arising from hyperlipidemia.