Atypical Saturated Fatty Acid Profile of Afraegle paniculata Seed Oil Induces Hyperlipidemia in Wistar Rats
Nevame DOH
Laboratory of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Department of Biochemistry/Nutrition, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lome, 01BP 1515 Lome, Togo.
Mlatovi DEGBE *
Laboratory of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Department of Biochemistry/Nutrition, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lome, 01BP 1515 Lome, Togo and Forestry Research Laboratory (LRF), University of Lomé, 01 B.P. 1515 Lomé 01, Togo.
Komla Mawunya VUTI
Department of Food Science and Agri-Food Technology, Higher School of Biological and Food Techniques, University of Lomé, Togo.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Amidst the nutrition transition in West Africa, the scientific validation of traditional food resources is imperative. This study provides the first biochemical and metabolic characterization of seed oil from Afraegle paniculata, a plant integral to Togolese traditional practices but heretofore unexamined for its dietary impact.
Methods: Oil was extracted from A. paniculata seeds (Soxhlet) and its fatty acid composition determined by GC-MS. Subsequently, a 28-day in vivo study was conducted, wherein male Wistar rats were orally administered the oil (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 µL/g body weight) to evaluate its effects on serum lipid profiles (TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C) compared to groundnut oil and a control.
Results: The GC-MS analysis revealed an atypical lipid profile, dominated by saturated fatty acids (SFAs) at 93.5%. The principal constituents were lauric acid (C12:0; 60.73%) and myristic acid (C14:0; 25.56%). In vivo, administration of A. paniculata oil induced a significant, dose-dependent hyperlipidemia. This was characterized by a pronounced elevation in serum triglycerides at all doses (p < 0.01) and a significant increase in total cholesterol at the highest dose (p < 0.05) relative to the control group.
Conclusion: The unique SFA composition of A. paniculata seed oil, particularly its high concentration of lauric and myristic acids, provides a direct mechanistic basis for its potent hyperlipidemic effects. These findings caution against the promotion of this traditional oil for widespread culinary use, as it could paradoxically exacerbate the growing burden of cardiovascular disease in the region.
Keywords: Afraegle paniculata, saturated fatty acids, hyperlipidemia, lauric acid, nutrition transition, Togo