ABSTRACT

Tetrapleura tetraptera, commonly known as Gum tree, is a plant species widely used in traditional medicine in Africa and Asia. Its ethnobotanical significance is evident in its various uses including the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, and anti-inflammatory conditions. This study examines the effect of Tetrapleura tetraptera on the heart of adult wistar rats. This work involved the use of an experimental study design, consisting of twenty-four (24) adult Wistar rats weighing 160-212g which were acclimatized for 14days, separated into four (4) groups; A, B, C and D with each group having six (6) Wistar rats of randomized patterns for administration and were all weighed prior to it. In Group A (control group), the rats were administered with feed and distilled water, Group B were administered with 200mg/kg body weight of ethanol extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera (low dose), Group C were administered with 400mg/kg body weight of ethanol extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera (intermediate dose), Group D were administered with 800mg/kg body weight of ethanol extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera (high dose). After administration (twenty-eight (28) days), the animals were sacrificed, organs harvested and processed for assays according to established methods.  Histologically, Group A, the control group, showed heart tissue with normal architecture composed of cardiomyocyte bundles, cardiac vein and interstitial space. Group B, showed heart tissue with  composed of normal cardiomyocytes bundles and active vascular congestion. Group C, showed heart tissue with normal cardiomyocyte bundles and cardiac artery. Group D, also showed heart tissue with normal cardiomyocyte bundles and cardiac artery. Across the graded doses, Tetrapleura tetraptera had no negative effect on the heart tissue, it proved to have vasodilative and anti-inflammatory properties as it increased blood flow in the coronary vessels in the heart tissue.