Hypolipidaemic Effects of Medicago Sativa Extracts in Rabbits
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: HYPOLIPIDAEMIC EFFECTS OF MEDICAGO SATIVA SEED EXTRACTS (50% EtOH) IN RABBITS UNDER EXPERIMENTAL CONDITIONS
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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V.P. Dixit, Prabha Jain
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: HYPOLIPIDAEMIC EFFECTS OF MEDICAGO SATIVA SEED EXTRACTS (50% EtOH) IN RABBITS UNDER EXPERIMENTAL CONDITIONS
Year: 1990
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study conducted by V.P. Dixit and Prabha Jain investigated the hypolipidaemic effects of Medicago sativa (alfalfa) seed extracts in a controlled experiment involving rabbits. The research aimed to evaluate the potential of alfalfa seed extracts to reduce elevated serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, which are significant contributors to atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular diseases. The experiment included thirty adult rabbits divided into various groups to analyze the effects of alfalfa seed extract administered alongside a high-cholesterol diet over a period of 90 days.
The Role of Alfalfa Seed Extract in Lipid Regulation
The results demonstrated that the administration of alfalfa seed extract resulted in a significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in cholesterol-fed rabbits. Specifically, the study found reductions of 38–41.7% in total cholesterol and 48–53.3% in LDL cholesterol. Notably, the LDL cholesterol-lowering effect reached a maximum of 64.4% in rabbits fed with alfalfa meals without additional cholesterol. The mechanism behind this effect was attributed to the saponin content in alfalfa, which is known to inhibit intestinal cholesterol absorption and promote increased bile acid excretion. This action not only lowered harmful lipid levels but also increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, thus suggesting a protective role against atherosclerosis.
Conclusion
The findings of this study highlight the potential therapeutic benefits of alfalfa seed extracts in managing hyperlipidaemia, particularly in reducing serum cholesterol levels. The demonstrated lipid-lowering effects, coupled with the increase in HDL cholesterol, suggest that alfalfa may serve as a beneficial dietary component in combating cholesterol-induced health issues. Future research could delve deeper into the long-term impacts of alfalfa supplementation and explore its mechanisms further, positioning it as a promising natural intervention for hyperlipidaemia and related cardiovascular conditions.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What were the effects of alfalfa seed extract on cholesterol levels?
Alfalfa seed extract reduced serum total cholesterol by 38–41.7% and LDL cholesterol by 48–53.3%, indicating its hypolipidaemic properties in hyperlipidaemic rabbits under experimental conditions.
How was the experiment on rabbits structured?
Thirty adult rabbits were divided into groups, with one group receiving only cholesterol, while others received cholesterol along with alfalfa seed extract over 90 days to assess lipid levels.
What biochemical parameters were analyzed in the study?
The study analyzed total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, non-esterified free fatty acids, VLDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol levels to evaluate lipid metabolism.
What conclusion was drawn about alfalfa meals and cholesterol absorption?
Alfalfa meals appeared to decrease intestinal absorption of cholesterol and increase bile acid excretion due to their saponin content, suggesting potential heart health benefits.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Hypolipidaemic Effects of Medicago Sativa Extracts in Rabbits”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Coconut (Cocoanut):
Coconut in this context refers to the medium in which cholesterol was administered to the rabbits. It served as a carrier for cholesterol, ensuring that it was effectively incorporated into the rabbits' diet during the experiment. The choice of coconut oil is relevant as it can influence lipid metabolism in the study.
2) Discussion:
The discussion section is pivotal for interpreting the findings of the study. It contextualizes the experimental results within the broader scope of existing literature, highlighting potential mechanisms of action. This section also addresses the implications of the results regarding the use of alfalfa seed extract for managing cholesterol levels.
3) Activity:
Activity refers to the physiological effects and responses observed during the study. Specifically, it pertains to the lipid-lowering activity of alfalfa seed extracts, revealing their efficacy in reducing cholesterol levels. This term emphasizes the biological impact of the tested substances on the rabbits' health.
4) Zoology:
Zoology is the branch of biology that focuses on the study of animals, including their physiology, behavior, and interactions with their environment. This study, conducted under the Department of Zoology, demonstrates the application of zoological principles in understanding the metabolic effects of dietary components on animal health.
5) Science (Scientific):
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge through observation and experimentation. This study exemplifies scientific inquiry by employing experimental methods to evaluate the effects of alfalfa seed extracts on rabbit serum lipid levels, contributing to the understanding of dietary impacts on health.
6) Prabha (Prabhā):
Prabha refers to one of the researchers involved in the study. Her contribution showcases collaborative scientific efforts in exploring health-related topics. Co-authorship signifies the importance of teamwork and diverse expertise in conducting complex biological experiments and interpreting the resulting data.
7) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid in vertebrates that transports nutrients, gases, and waste products. In this study, serum analysis of blood samples provides essential data on cholesterol levels, thereby serving as a key metric for assessing the effects of alfalfa seed extracts on lipid metabolism in the experiment.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Hypolipidaemic Effects of Medicago Sativa Extracts in Rabbits’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, Atherosclerosis, Cholesterol administration, Hypolipidaemic effect, Cholesterol feeding, VLDL cholesterol, Triglyceridemia, Experimental Condition, Cholesterol fed rabbits.