Changes of lipids profile and liver functions by apricot and pumpkin kernel oils in hypercholesterolemic rats [electronic resource].

Includes references.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of apricot kernel oil (AO), and pumpkin kernel oil (PO) on lipids profile, and liver functions of rats fed with high fat diet. High fat diet resulted a significant alteration in plasma lipids profile, and liver functions indicators. Twenty four male albino rats were used over 28 days period. The animals were divided into 4 groups, wherein group number 1 represents control (health rats) which were fed basal diet, while group number 2 was received high fat diet to serve as hypercholesterolemic group. Other two groups were allowed to feed high fat diet supplemented with two oils, group number 3 treated simultaneously with apricot kernel oil (1g/Kg body weight) as (AO) group, while the last group was treated with pumpkin kernel oil (1g/Kg body weight) as (PO) group, then plasma lipids profile and liver functions in different groups were detremined after 14 and 28 days. Generally, rats in two treated groups (AO, PO) showed significant lower levels of total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TG) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, ALT and AST activities, as well as increased levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, total proteins in comparison with hypercholesterolemic group. Thus, apricot and pumpkin oils under study may be useful components of diets for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. In addition to improving the lipids profile by lowering TC, TG and LDL and increasing HDL, and also had improved the liver functions. The present study suggested blending apricot and pumpkin oils with other common vegetable oils could improve its health effect. Keywords: apricot seed oil ; pumpkin seed oil ; Polyunsaturated fatty acids; cholesterol; LDL; HDL; ALT; AST.

Summary in Arabic.

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