BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON LETTUCE SEED OIL

Abstract

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the hypocholesterolemic effect of Lactuca sativa and Lactuca scariola seed oils in hypercholesterolemic rats. The aim also includes investigation of fatty acids and unsaponifiable matter of the oils under study. Hyperchol• esterolemic rats were divided to four group and fed high• fat diets rich in cholesterol, balanced diet, balanced contain Lactuca sativa or Lactuca scariola seed oils for 4 week ad - libitum. Blood samples were collectted from all animals for studying plasma lipid profile. The results of this experiment revealed that food intake of hypercho• lesterolemic rats was significantly lower than control group, while body weight gain increased non significan• tly in all groups compared with control group. The rats fed the high fat diet enriched with saturated fat and cholesterol showed a significant increase in total