Leaf extract of Ficus exasperata has been reported to have beneficial effect in lowering of blood pressure and treatment of hypertensive patients. The present study was conducted to determine the in vivo effect of Ficus exasperata leaf extract on tissues and serum lipids in experimental rats. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups and administered different doses of the extract for 14 days while control group received distilled water. Lipid profile in the serum, liver, kidney and heart of the experimental animals were measured and compared with the control. Ficus exasperata caused significant (p<0.0) reduction in serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in a dose dependent manner in rats while serum HDL cholesterol was significantly elevated. Serum triglyceride level was not significantly affected. There was also a significant increase in the levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride in the liver while lipid profile in the heart and Kidney were unaffected. This result suggests a positive alterations in lipid metabolism and storage in rats which corroborate the efficacy of Ficus exasperata leaf extract in the management of atherosclerosis caused by lipid abnormalities.
