Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effects ofCitrullus colocynthisSeeds Oil in High-Fat Diets Induced Obese Rats

Abstract

The purpose of the current study is to explore the prominent role of the fixed oil of Citrullus colocynthis seeds as a natural remedy to obesity. Wistar rats were subjected to different diets; one being an 8 week high-fat diet that was established to induce obesity in rats. The results from our experiment show a significant correction in body weight, blood parameters, and in particular, the total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), and glycemia. There was also an improvement of the redox status shown by the significant increase in antioxidant vitamins levels and decrease in malondialdehyde contents as well as an increase in the hepatic enzymes activities in Citrullus colocynthis seeds oil treated rats compared to obese rats and olive oil treated rats. The results of this study demonstrated that Citrullus colocynthis seeds oil prompted a corrective effect in the antioxidant defense systems, restored insulin sensitivity, and improved lipid profile. To conclude, our study suggests thatCitrullus colocynthisseeds oil is a promising natural tool to combat obesity and its associated complications.