Biochemistry & Analytical Biochemistry

Abstract

Study of the Effects of Walnut Leaf on Some Blood Biochemical Parameters in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

Mehdi Mahmoodi, Hadis Eghbali, Seyed Mostafa Hosseini zijoud, Ahmad Pourrashidi, AliReza Mohamadi, Majid Borhani, Gholamhossein Hassanshahi and Mohsen Rezaeian

Hypercholesterolemia is characterized as a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The use of antioxidants is the most preferred way to overcome hypercholesterolemia complications. Several evidences demonstrated the potential antioxidant properties of walnut leaf, so current study was designed to examine this effect in hypercholesterolemic rats.

Fifty albino rats divided into 5 groups of 8. Hypercholesterolemic rats (1% cholesterol in usual diet) received 1%, 2% and 5% weight concentration of walnut leaf powder in daily diets. There is two Hypercholesterolemic and normal controls too.

The treatment period was 40 days. The blood samples were collected from eyes after treatment, and biochemical parameters including FBS, triglycerides, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were assayed.

The current results showed that consumption of walnut leaf decreased cholesterol (P<0.05), LDL-C and triglycerides but increased HDL-C. The consumption of 5% walnut leaf in hypercholesterolemic diet had most effects.

It can be concluded that walnut leaf has useful effects probably due to its antioxidant properties, on cholesterol and lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats and it could be used for reduced CVD risks disease.