Effect of Phoenix dactylifera seeds (dates) extract in triton WR-1339 and high fat diet induced hyperlipidaemia in rats: A comparison with simvastatin

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDate seeds are widely used in Moroccan traditional medicine for treating obesity and related diseases. Aim of the studyTwo date seed varieties (Jihel and Majhoul) were assessed for their phenolic profile and lipid-lowering activity. Materials and methodsThe polyphenolic profile was determined using HPLC-DAD. Triton-WR-1339 and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidaemic rats were used to evaluate the hypolipidaemic effect of date seeds extracts. Serum lipid profile was measured using automatic biochemical analyser. ResultsRutin, quercetin, p-coumaric and caffeic acids were the most prevalent chemical among the analysed phenolic compounds. Serum lipids: Total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were lowered and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were increased by date seed methanolic extract (at 200 mg/kg) in triton WR1339 -induced hyperlipidaemia in experimental rats. Chronic feeding of these extracts (at 200 mg/kg), to animals concurrently fed with high fat diet (HFD) for three weeks, caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels and atherogenic index, while it increased serum HDL-C. Furthermore, the supplementation of date seed extract was effective in preventing body weight gain. ConclusionsThese findings are suggestive of hypolipidaemic and atherosclerosis prevention roles of Jihel and Majhoul date seeds.