European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF PALM KERNEL OIL, OLIVE OIL, CRUDE OIL AND HONEY ON LIPID PROFILE, BODY WEIGHT AND HEARTS OF MALE ALBINO RATS

Chinedu Imo* and Oluwafemi David Sunday

ABSTRACT

Comparative effects of palm kernel oil, olive oil, crude oil and honey on lipid profile, body weight and hearts of male albino rats was evaluated in this study. This is because they are widely used for various reasons in traditional medicine. Thirty-five male albino rats were used and randomly placed into five groups. Six animals were placed in each group. They were administered the corresponding chemical substances for twenty-one days before being sacrificed. Their body weights were recorded before and after administration of the substances. Their blood samples and hearts were collected for biochemical and histological analysis respectively. Total cholesterol reduced non-significantly (p>0.05) in groups 2 and 3, but increased non-significantly (p>0.05) in groups 4 and 5 compared to the control. Triglycerides increased non-significantly (p>0.05) in groups 2 and 3, but increased significantly (p<0.05) in groups 4 and 5 compared to the control. HDL reduced non-significantly (p>0.05) in groups 2 and 4, but increased non-significantly (p>0.05) in groups 3 and 5 compared to the control. LDL reduced non-significantly (p>0.05) in groups 3 and 5, but increased non-significantly (p>0.05) in groups 2 and 4 compared to the control. Weight difference after the administration of the chemicals increased non-significantly (p>0.05) in group 2, but decreased significantly (p<0.05) in group 3, and non-significantly (p>0.05) in groups 4 and 5 compared to the control. Photomicrograph from heart section of normal rat showed normal features of the cardiac tissue with unremarkable muscles fibres within which are seen bare nucleated cells and endothelial cells at the periphery. Photomicrograph from heart section of all rats administered the chemical substances showed normal features of the cardiac tissue. No pathological changes were seen/identified in them when compared to cardiac tissue of normal control. Crude oil and palm kernel oil may mildly influence lipid profile negatively. Administration of olive oil and honey improved the synthesis of HDL, though they also encourage the synthesis of triglycerides. Olive oil could be used for body weight reduction or control, while honey and palm kernel oil may cause an increase in body weight. The long-term intake of crude oil may lead to set back in growth and improvement of body weight. Administration of the chemical substances as used in this study may show no pathological changes in cardiac tissues.

Keywords: Body weight, crude oil, honey, olive oil, palm kernel oil, lipid profile.