Avocados are a staple in many people's diets, and for good reason. Not only do they taste amazing, but they're also rich in nutrients that help keep you healthy.
But did you know that avocados leaves can also help lower cholesterol and prevent other diseases?
This paper describes a study that tested the effects of avocado leaf extract on total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, protein levels, and hematological markers after being exposed to carbon tetrachloride (which is toxic). The results were quite promising: The test subjects that were given avocado leaf extract had significantly lower cholesterol levels than those who weren't. They also had higher levels of albumin—a protein that helps maintain the blood's ability to carry oxygen throughout the body—and lower white blood cell counts (which can indicate inflammation).
Effects of Avocado Leaf Extract on Cholesterol, Triacylglycerols, Protein, And Hematological Parameters in Ccl4-Intoxicated Rats
Avocado is a fruit that has been consumed for thousands of years. It is a staple in many diets, especially in South America and the United States. In recent years, research has shown that avocados may be beneficial for people who suffer from high cholesterol or heart disease (1).
Avocado (Persea americana) is a tropical fruit with a large number of nutrients. The leaves of this plant are used as dietary supplements, and they are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Previous studies have shown that avocado leaf extract has anti-inflammatory effects, sunburn protection ability, and helps to strengthen blood vessels. However, there are few studies on the effects of avocado leaf extracts on the protection of the liver.
Thus, the researchers in Nigeria decided to conduct this experiment to investigate the effects of avocado leaf extract on cholesterol levels in rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The purpose of this study was to determine if avocado leaf extract could lower their cholesterol and triglycerides and protect their liver from damage.
Background and Method
The present study was aimed at investigating the effects of an aqueous extract of Persea americana (AEPA) on protein, total cholesterol (T-CHOL), triacylglycerols (TAGs), and hematological parameters in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-intoxicated rats.
The animals were divided into five groups: group 1 was the healthy control; group 2 were pre-treated with Reducdyn® (100 mg/kg/day) as a standard drug; Groups 4 and 5 were pre-treated with AEPA at a dose of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg per day respectively, the treatments were administered orally for 7 days. On the seventh day, rats in the treatment groups were injected with a fresh mixture of CCl4 and olive oil.
The results showed that there were significant reductions in protein levels in all treatments compared to those in CCl4 alone. There was also a significant reduction in total cholesterol levels in all treatments compared to those in CCl4 alone. There was also an increase in TAGs levels after treatment with avocado leaf extract compared to those in the non-treated group.
Conclusion
These findings imply that Avocado Leaf Extract may be protective against the development of fatty liver and may also be exhibiting the potential to prevent alterations in hematological parameters caused by CCl4 intoxication. Additionally, these findings suggest that Avocado Leaf Extract may be helpful in reducing cholesterol levels.
