Evaluation of hypolipidemic effect of flaxseeds in experimentally induced dyslipidemia in albino rats

Abstract

Introduction: The most important risk factor of IHD is hyperlipidaemia. The dietary manipulation with flaxseed powder has reduced the incidence of CVD by decreasing the lipid profile in human beings. So flaxseed powder has been used in the present study to analyse its hypolipidemic action in experimentally induced hyperlipidaemia in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: This is an animal interventional study. It was conducted in 24 male albino rats divided into 4 groups with 6 animals in each. Gr I (control), GrII to see the per se effect of flaxseed powder, Gr III (standard) kept on High cholesterol diet and Gr IV (test) kept on high cholesterol diet with flaxseed powder. The study was conducted for two weeks. Blood samples for estimation of TC, TGc, LDLc, VLDLc and HDLc were collected at the beginning and at the end of the study period from orbital vein. Results: In the intervention group fed on flaxseed powder and HCD significantly reduced the blood lipids but not in the Gr II fed on flaxseed alone. The HCD fed Standard group developed a highly significant rise in lipid levels of the rats. This has revealed that incorporation of flaxseed in diet may protect against the development of IHD. The hypolipidemic effect of flaxseeds may be due to the presence of rich content of omega 3 fatty acids, ALA, Lignans and antioxidant properties and phytoestrogens. Conclusion: So, we conclude that flaxseed powder administration has highly significantly reduced the blood lipid levels in rats. The addition of flaxseed in diet has a beneficial effect on lipids and protects against cardiovascular disorders due to omega 3 fatty acids, ALA and Lignans.