ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF EXTRACTS OF KOLA-NITIDA ON THE PANCREAS OF ALBINO WISTAR RAT INDUCED WITH HIGH LIPID DIET

ABSTRACT This study investigates the effect of Kola Nitida on the Pancreas of Wistar rats, aiming to elucidate the potential therapeutic benefits of this natural remedy in mitigating the effects of high lipid diets. The background this research highlights the increasing prevalence of lipid related disorders and the need for effective interventions. A total of 21 Male Wistar rats were purchased for this study. They were divided into five groups; Control group, Toxicity group, and three Kola Nitida-treated groups (100, 200, 300 mg/kg). After categorization of study animals, blood samples were drawn through cardiac puncture into Lithium heparin bottles using standard antiseptic techniques. Five millitres (5mls) of fasting blood samples collected from each group into Lithium heparin bottles was spun at 3500rpm for 5minutes to obtain plasma. Total cholesterol and Triglycerides were assayed based on enzymatic methods. High density Lipoprotein was assayed using precipitation and enzymatic methods, while Low density Lipoprotein (LDL) was calculated using Friedwald equation. The atherogenic indices; Castelli’s 1, Castelli’s 2 and Atherogenic Coefficient was calculated with their respective formulas. Additionally, histopathological evaluations were performed to observe structural changes in the pancreas using Hematoxylin and Eosin. Results indicated that Kola Nitida significantly improved pancreatic morphology and function as evidenced by reduced inflammation, reduced parenchymal damage. This study concludes that Kola Nitida possesses potential protective effects against lipid induced pancreatic damage, suggesting its role as a complementary therapeutic agent in managing lipid related disorders. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of natural products in medical science and underscore the importance of further research to explore the mechanisms underlying these effects. Key words; Kola Nitida, Wistar rats, pancreas, lipid induced damage, natural remedies, medical laboratory science