ABSTRACT
Present work is aimed to compare the physicochemical characterization and biochemical effects of oil extracted from Silybum Marianum and Sunflower oil, collected from Peshawar [Pakistan]. To investigate the comparative effects on the body weight, organ weight and lipid profile, the crude oil of Silybum marianum, edible sunflower oil and vegetable ghee were given to three groups of rabbits under study. Percent proximate composition and food consumption of all rabbits were determined which showed no significant statistical variation. There is no data available about Silybum marianum oil on animal model in literature. This study clearly revealed that oil from Silybum marianum significantly reduces plasma cholesterol level in rabbits. A threefold higher Triglyceride levels was observed in vegetable ghee feeding groups compared with the sunflower and Silybum marianum oil feeding groups. The crude oil of Silybum marianum was found to be safe in rabbits compared with sunflower oil and vegetable ghee. The results of these studies revealed most valuable information and also support the refining and purification to convert this non-edible oil to edible oil
ABSTRACT
Tribulus terrestris extracts were prepared using solvents of different polarities and their irritant inducing effects were assessed in vivo on rabbit's ears
The result indicates that the polar components were in higher yield than the others and amounts of the extracted material were directly proportional to the polarities of solvents. Preliminary phytochemical screening shows diversity of compounds and comparative TLC analytical behaviour further indicated the resolution of mostly five compounds from the non-polar, intermediate polar and highly polar materials by different solvent systems. Irritant potency of water extract was assessed on rabbit's ears using a known method that was proved to be the most potent irritant [with +++ response, propagated in an area of 2.70 cm[2] diameter]