Influence of Pumpkin Seed Oil Supplementation on Cardiovascular and Histological Outcomes in Female Non‐ovariectomized and Ovariectomized Rats

Abstract

Pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.) seed oil (PSO) is a rich source of phytoestrogens, consequently the aim of this study was to examine the effect of PSO supplementation on lipid profile, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and histological parameters in non‐ovariectomized and ovariectomized rats. 22 female Sprague‐Dawley rats divided into non‐ovariectomized rats for corn oil supplementation (Control CO; n=6), non‐ovariectomized rats for PSO supplementation (Control PSO; n=5), ovariectomized for corn oil supplementation (OVX/CO; n=6) and ovariectomized for PSO supplementation (OVX/PSO; n=5) were treated orally 5 days per week for 12 weeks with corn oil 40mg/kg or PSO 40 mg/kg. Control PSO had lower TC, LDL −C and trigylcerides and higher HDL‐C than the Control CO (P<0.001). OVX/CO had higher TC, LDL −C and trigylcerides and lower HDL‐C than the Control CO (P <0.001), these changes were prevented in the OVX/PSO rats (P<0.001). Control PSO and OVX/PSO groups had lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure weekly readings. Histological analysis demonstrated that the uterus and vagina of the OVX/PSO group was protected from atrophy associated with lack of estrogen. We conclude that PSO supplementation prevents changes in plasma lipids and blood pressure that occur with inadequate estrogen availability.