Abstract:

Liver enzymes level and cardiovascular indices are veritable indicators of health and disease state in experimental animals. The present study investigated the role of phytosterol on liver health, metabolic function and cardiovascular indices in Wistar rats. 15 healthy male rats were grouped and treated as follows for 28 days: Group I was the control, and animals in this group were allowed unhindered access to rat chow and water. Group II rats received 1000mg/kg while Group III received 2000mg/kg body weight of phytosterol. On the 29th day, blood was collected through direct cardiac puncture fort the determination of serum liver enzyme levels and lipid parameters. Significantly lower values of liver enzymes and lipid parameters were observed amongst Groups 2 and 3 rats administered graded doses (1000mg/kg and 2000mg/kg body weight) of phytosterol relative to control (Group 1) rats (p<0.05): suggesting a potential protective effect of phytosterol against liver damage and cardiovascular insult.