Pharmacophore an International Research Journal
The primary goal of the current research is to determine the impact of dietary supplementation with quinoa seed powder (QSP) on hypercholesterolemia. More specifically, the study seeks to measure the effect of dietary supplementation with QSP on cholesterol levels, to determine if QSP use provides protection against hypercholesterolemia, in the selected population of male rats. Thirty-two male albino rats were fed a high cholesterol diet, and then fed fortified cake with different percentages (25, and 45%) of the QSP. These rats were put on an ideal diet for 14 days before being divided into four groups of eight rats each. The negative control group (Group 1) was fed a basal diet. The positive control group (Group 2), was fed a basal diet + 2% cholesterol to ensure the rats developed hypercholesterolemia. The first experimental group (Group 3) was fed the same high cholesterol diet as the second group, while adding 35% QSP to their diet, and the final experimental group (Group 4) was fed as the second group, with 45% QSP added to the diet. An experimental period of 60 days was established, after which the rats had their feed dishes removed, forcing an overnight fasting period, after which tissue samples were collected. In order to measure the total cholesterol and lipid profiles for each rat, aortic blood samples were collected. Also, the animals were tested for liver and kidney functions. Additionally, other nutritional parameters were recorded including food intake, weight gain or mass increase, and feed efficiency ratio. Finally, heart and liver were removed surgically for histopathological observation. From the obtained results, the researcher concluded that group of rats fed on diet with 2% cholesterol were at significantly increased risk for hypercholesterolemia. However, the results indicated that a diet fortified at 35% and 45% QSP improves weight gain and feed consumption, reduces lipid profiles, and reduces the risk to organ function, related to hypercholesterolemia, when compared to positive control group. More specifically, a diet with 45% QSP reduced the adverse effect of hypercholesterolemia.
