Comparative effects of flaxseed, sesame seed and pumpkin seed on health of hypercholesterolemic rats

ABSTRACT

Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for the development and progression of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of some seeds, flaxseed [Linum usitatissimum], sesame seed [Sesamum indicum L.] and pumpkin seed [Cucurbita pepo L], a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids on improving health of hypercholesterolemic rats. Thirty albino rats were divided into two main groups, the first is normal group [n=6], the second groups were fed on diet containing cholesterol [1.5%] and bile salts [0.25%] from basal diet for 15 consecutive days to induce hypercholesterolemia. The hypercholesterolemic group [n=24] was divided into 4 subgroups, 6 rats each. First subgroup is positive control was fed on basal diet, the second, third and fourth subgroups were fed on the diet containing 5% flaxseed, sesame seed and pumpkin seed powder for 6 weeks respectively. At the end of the experiment, blood was obtained and the serum was separated for analysis. Lipid profile, lipoprotein cholesterol, atherogenic index [Al], HDL/TC ratio [HTR%], TC/HDL and LDL/HDL ratio were determined. Beside liver and kidney function were determined. The result showed that hypercholesterolemic rats health were improved by adding the studied seeds