#highdensitylipoprotein

"Abnormal lipid metabolism is a major pathogenic factor for various cardiovascular diseases. The present study investigated the lipid profile of methanol extract of unfermented Theobroma cacao TC in Wistar rats. 24 Male Wistar rats were divided equally into four groups. Group 1 was the control group, and was administered 0.9 normal saline. Groups 2, 3 and 4 were administered 200mg kg, 400mg kg and 800mg kg methanol extract of unfermented TC. Administration was via oral gavage and lasted for 21 days. The rats were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia. Blood was collected through cardiac puncture, allowed to clot, and later centrifuged to get serum. Laboratory assays were done for serum concentrations of total cholesterol Tc , triacylglycerides TAG , high density lipoprotein HDL c , and low density lipoprotein LDL c . Administration of TC extract resulted in an increase p 0.05 serum concentration of HDL c, with a consequent reduction in the serum concentrations of Tc, TAG, and LDL c when compared with the control. The observed results showed that consumption of unfermented Theobroma cacao within the experimental dose promotes normal lipid profile of Wistar rats. Thus, if these results are extrapolated to man, consumption of unfermented Theobroma cacao is encouraged.