Phytochemical Properties and Lipid-Lowering Effects of Ethanol Extract of Pterocarpus santalinoides Leaves in Male Albino Rats

This study evaluated the phytochemical composition and lipid-lowering effect of ethanol leaf extract of Pterocarpus santalinoides in male Wistar albino rats. Quantitative phytochemical analysis was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Forty male rats were assigned to eight groups (n=5). Group A received growers' mash and water only; group B received a cholesterol and saturated-fat diet; group C received the same diet and atorvastatin (1.14 mg/kg); groups D-G received the same diet and 100, 200, 300 or 400 mg/kg extract respectively; and group H received 500 mg/kg extract with atorvastatin. Treatment lasted 28 days. Thirteen rats were used for acute toxicity testing. Lipid parameters were determined using standard assay kits, while LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol were calculated using established formulae. Phytochemical analysis revealed several bioactive compounds, including vanillic acid (18.78 ± 0.00), hesperidin (10.24 ± 0.00), flavone (8.86 ± 0.00) and resveratrol (3.32 ± 0.00). Acute toxicity assessment showed no mortality, although weakness was observed at 2900 and 5000 mg/kg. Body weight increased significantly (p<0.05) in all groups, with greater increases in the untreated hyperlipidaemic group. Extract administration improved lipid profile indices, especially by reducing total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, and increasing HDL-cholesterol. These findings indicate that ethanol leaf extract of P. santalinoides contains bioactive phytochemicals and may exert lipid-modulating effects in hyperlipidemic male Wistar rats.