The liver is a key part of how drugs and unnatural substances are broken down such as preservatives, additives and flavorings. This makes it vulnerable to attacks by these substances, which can hurt or damage the liver. Liver protection is an important part of keeping your body healthy. (1)
Herbal medicines and pharmaceuticals made from plants are becoming increasingly popular in many parts of the world. This is because, in general, people believe that natural remedies are safer than standard manufactured medications. After all, they have fewer or no negative side effects.
One of the plants that have seen extensive usage in folk medicine is the avocado tree, also known as "The Persea Americana". It has been shown that an extract of avocado leaves has anticonvulsant properties, as well as anti-inflammatory and vasorelaxant effects. Additionally, P. Americana leaf extracts have been demonstrated to prevent cholesterol-induced hyperlipidemia in rats (2).
Avocado has a wide variety of natural protective antioxidants, the most common of which are phenolics, phytosterols, carotenoids, minerals, and vitamins. It has been shown that these bioactive compounds can lower lipids, prevent diabetes, protect the heart, and stop atherosclerosis (3).
Therefore, this study (4) was done in Nigeria to learn the effects of aqueous AEPA on protein, total cholesterol (T-CHOL), triacylglycerols (TAGs), and hematological parameters were assessed in Wistar male albino rats that had been exposed to carbon CCl4.
The Conduction of Study
A plant that was being cultivated at Ilupeju, Lagos, provided the fresh avocado leaves that were picked. The leaves were air-dried, then ground into a powder before being placed in a device to make an liquid extract.
Thirty male albino Wistar rats were utilized in this investigation. There was a total of fifty-five treatment groups, each including six albino rats. The first group, "healthy controls," served as an example of the ideal situation. The second through fifth groups were the treatment groups.
Conclusion: Aqueous leaf extract of avocado leaves (Persea Americana) was found to significantly reduce total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, protein, and hematological parameters in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-intoxicated rats. The results showed that pre-treatment of rats with avocado leaf extract resulted in a marked increase in total protein and a reduction in total cholesterol.
What is more surprising, this study also compared the protective affects of Reducdyn® (a pharmaceutical drug that protects alcoholic liver damage) and the study stated "there was no significant difference in the observed protection by avocado leaf extract and Reducdyn®."
Avocado leaves have long been used in traditional medicine, especially in tropical countries. It is known to possess many medicinal properties and the leaves are used for various purposes. Avocados are a delicious, nutrient-dense food that is high in fat but also contains good fats that help lower cholesterol. They are also rich in potassium and fiber. Avocados are an excellent source of vitamin K, folate, and vitamin B6.
Now there's even more reason to love avocados: the leaves can be used to make tea!
