Hypolipidemic and Renal Functionality Potentials of the Hexane Extract Fractions of Elephantopus Scaber Linn

BACKGROUND: Abnormalities in lipid profile are one of the most common complications in diabetes mellitus. In STZ-induced diabetic rats, the rise in blood glucose is accompanied by a disturbance in lipid profile. Further still is the disturbance in the renal functions which includes abnormality in the serum urea,protein and creatinine levels The aim of the present study is to prove the hypolipidemic and the renal functionality effect of the root of Elephantopus scaber Linn. PROCEDURE: Fractions obtained from crude extracts of hexane prepared from the root of Elephantopus scaber Linn. were administered to white albino rats at a dose of 0.15 g/Kg bwt for a period of 30 days to prove its hypolipidemic effect on a long term basis which is proved to be irreversible as the plant is reported to have regenerative property. FINDINGS: The extract produced a significant (p<0.001) dose-dependent decrease in the levels of total cholesterol (TC), Triacylglycerol (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), with a significant increase in the level High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL) and reporting the restoration in renal functions back to near normal. CONCLUSION: The fractions of Elephantopus scaber Linn. hexane extract are confirmed to have a hypolipidemic potential and a re-establishment of renal functions.