Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effect of apple peels, Psyllium seeds and celery fibers supplement as hypolipidemic agent in rats fed on high-fat diet. The fiber contents were found to be 91.74%, 85.37% and 86.43% respectively.
Material and methods: This study was conducted on 10 equal rat groups which were fed as follows; standard diet (3 months), standard diet (6 months), standard diet supplemented with 20% coconut oil (3 months), high-fat diet (3 months) followed by a standard diet (3 months), high-fat diet supplemented with 5% apple peels or with 5% psyllium seeds or with 5% celery (3 months), high-fat diet (3 months) followed by standard diet supplemented with 5% apple peels or with 5% psyllium seeds or with 5% celery (3 months). Fasting blood samples were collected and subjected to lipid profile assay and atherogenic index.
Results: Rats fed on coconut oil showed significant elevation in the levels of serum total cholesterol, LDL-c, atherogenic factor while HDL-c level was significantly decreased as compared to control rats. Histological examination revealed a large lipid and cholesterol depositions in livers of rats fed high-fat diet. The potential of apple peels>psyllium seeds>celery in lowering plasma total cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels. Accumulation of hepatic lipid droplets was diminished comparing to the high-fat diet group. These beneficial effects may be due to its high fiber content of the apple peels.