Abstract:
Experimental studies to determine the chemical composition of the Commiphora
swynnertonii as well as its effect in plasma cholesterol levels and weight changes in
Rattus rattus. A total of 24 rats were used in the dose and time dependent
experiments of resin, C. swynnertonii at (0 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200
mg/kg) on daily basis for 21 days. Six samples of root and stem bark were used in
the proximate, selected minerals and heavy metals analysis by using AOAC (1995).
Weekly weight measurement and plasma cholesterol levels were evaluated for each
R. rattus. The results showed that the roots and stem bark of C. swynnertonii had
significant difference in chemical composition (p < 0.05). Among the minerals
analyzed Magnesium was the most abundant (996.30-1810.01 mg/100g). This plant
was found to contain high fibre and carbohydrates. Results shows higher
concentration of lead in stem bark (0.25 ppm) than in the root (<0.01 ppm) and the
concentration of cadmium in the root and stem bark 0.01 ppm and 0.001 ppm
respectively and for mercury the concentration was < 0.01 ppm for both roots and
stem bark. There were significant differerence (p < 0.05) on cholestrol level and
weight between the treated and the control groups. Commiphora swynnertonii resin
lowered cholesterol level by 54%, 76% and 79% and weight changes by 18%, 31%
and 23% for the exposed rats at concentrations of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200
mg/kg respectively and at the higher doses showed side effect including diarrhoea
and death. Based on the results, C. swynnertonii has shown potential important
medicinal plant as it contain some anti-cholesterol properties reduces weight and
induces diarrhoea even at low doses.
