Protective role of flaxseed oil on hypercholesterolemic rats

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the effects of replacing corn oil content (10%) in the standard diet of hypercholesterolemic rats (fed standard diet + 2% cholesterol for 4 weeks) with 50, 75 and 100% levels of flaxseed oil on the body weight gain, organ weight, blood glucose, liver and kidney functions and lipid profile. Data showed that 2% cholesterol administration caused significant increase in glucose, ALT, AST, ALP, urea, uric acid, triglyceride, total lipids, total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL levels in serum of hypercholesterolemic rats. Body weight gain and organ weight also significantly increased as compared to control rats. Consumption flaxseed oil at different replacement level diets by hypercholesterolemic rats resulted in significant decrease in body weight gain, organ weight and lipid parameters except HDL which decrease as compared to hypercholesterolemic rats fed standard diet. Blood glucose level, liver functions and kidney functions were also improved.