Adiposity, Atherogenic Index and Lipid Profile of Male Wistar Rats Administered with Kunun-Zaki

Aim: Kunun-zaki (KZ) is a highly refreshing local beverage that is commonly consumed both in urban and rural areas. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of KZ on lipid profile and other markers of cardio-vascular risks in Wistar rats. Methods: Fourteen adult male Wistar rats (mean weight of 150 g) used for the study were randomly divided into 2 groups (Groups A & B) of 7 rats each. The experimental rats in Group A and B were administered daily with 5 mL of distilled water and kunun zaki respectively for a period of 2 weeks. All experimental animals were allowed access to standard feed and water ad libitum. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein- cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-C), and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) using standard biochemical methods. The body mass index (BMI), atherogenic index, and adiposity index were also determined. Liver, kidney and heart were harvested and weighed to determine organ weights. The results were statistically analyzed using Student’s 't’test and by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. All values were presented as mean ± standard error of mean.  P< 0.05 was considered significant. Results: While TC, LDL-C, HDL-C concentrations were not significantly different, both TG and VLDL-C concentrations in KZ administered rats were significantly higher compared with control. BMI, antherogenic index and adiposity were not significantly different also when both groups were compared. Conclusion: the results of the study indicate that kunun-zaki does cause modulatory elevation in lipid profile.