Prevention of doxorubicin-induced dyslipidaemia, plasma oxidative stress and electrolytes imbalance in Wistar rats by aqueous leaf-extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Tridax procumbens

This study investigated the ability of aqueous leaf-extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Tridax procumbens to modulate plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress, electrolytes, lipid profiles and atherogenic indices in doxorubicin treated rats. Doxorubicin was administered at 15 mg/kg body weight (intra-peritioneally, 48 h prior to sacrifice); metformin was administered daily at 250 mg/kg (orally, for 14 days); while both extracts were daily administered at 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg (orally, for 14 days). The plasma malondialdehyde, triglyceride, apolipoprotein B, total cholesterol, non-high density lipoproteins cholesterol, low density lipoproteins cholesterol and very low density lipoproteins cholesterol, calcium, chloride and sodium concentrations; atherogenic index of plasma, cardiac risk ratio, atherogenic coefficient and Castelli's risk index II of Test control were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of all the other groups. However, their plasma ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione, high density lipoproteins cholesterol, potassium and magnesium concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) lower than those of all the other groups. In addition, the plasma catalase and superoxide dismutase activities of Test control were significantly (p<0.05) lower than those of the others. The above imply that the extracts have the ability to prevent doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress, dyslipidaemia and electrolytes imbalance. These results suggest that, at least in part, due to antioxidant and hypolipidaemic properties, aqueous extracts of T. procumbens and C. odorata leaves may potentially reduce the risk of doxorubicin-induced cardiovascular disorders.