Effects of the Zizyphus jujuba Seed Extract on the Lipid Components in Hyperlipidemic Rats

Abstract

The purpose of this study was designed to observe the effects of Zizyphus jujuba seed extract on the concentrations of the lipids and blood glucose in the S.D. rats fed the experimental diets for 4 weeks. Concentrations of total cholesterol, atherosclerotic index, LDL, LDL - cholesterol, free - cholesterol, cholesteryl ester, triglyceride (TG), phospholipid (PL) and blood glucose in serum were significantly higher in the cholesterol administration groups (group 2 (cholesterol＋water), group 3 (cholesterol＋Zizyphus jujuba seed extract)) than those in the control group (group 1, basal diet＋water). But the concentrations of total cholesterol, atherosclerotic index, LDL, LDL - cholesterol, free - cholesterol, cholesteryl ester, TG, PL and blood glucose in serum were remarkably lower in the group 3 than those in the group 2. In the ratio of HDL - cholesterol concentration to total cholesterol and HDL - cholesterol concentration, Zizyphus jujuba seed extract administration group was higher percentage than in the group 2. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum were rather lower in the Zizyphus jujuba seed extract administration group (group 3) than in the cholesterol diet group (group 2). From the above research, Zizyphus jujuba seeds were effective on the improvement of the blood glucose, lipid compositions in serum of dietary hyperlipidemic rats. And particularly, Zizyphus jujuba seeds were more effective as a therapeutic regimen for the control of metabolic derangements in adult disease.