Effects of Citrus Limon Juice on Serum Bilirubin, High Density Lipoprotein and Low Density Lipoprotein in Adult Male Wistar Rats under Variable Models of Stress

Introduction: There has been sufficient awareness on atherosclerosis but this has not reduced the number of people with it. Atherosclerosis is promoted by low density lipoprotein (LDL) without sufficient removal of fats and cholesterol by high density lipoprotein (HDL). Stress is linked with hyperlipidemia, lowering HDL and increasing LDL levels. Citrus Limon is known for its rich minerals and flavonoid content which have been employed widely.

This study is aimed at assessing the hypolipidemic effects of citrus Limon on Bilirubin, HDL and LDL levels.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of physiology, Delta State University Abraka.

Methods: Experimental animals were divided into six groups. Group I were control group rats fed with feed ad libitum, Group II were negative control rats (stressed but not treated), Group III-V were rats stressed and treated with 0.5 ml/kg, 1 ml/kg and 2 ml/kg of Citrus Limon juice respectively, Group VI treated with 0.2 ml/kg of Vitamin C. The animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation after 14 days and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Data were analyzed using SPPS and expressed as Means±Standard Error of Mean with significance at p<0.05.

Results: Results showed that stress significantly (p<0.05) increased bilirubin and LDL and reduced HDL levels. Result also showed that Citrus limon administration significantly reduced serum bilirubin and LDL but increased HDL levels in experimental animals after 14 days.

Conclusion: This study concludes that stress raises serum bilirubin and LDL levels and reduces HDL levels thus a major risk factor towards development of atherosclerosis. Administration of Citrus limon juice however reduces serum bilirubin and LDL while increasing HDL levels.