Abstract

EFFECTS OF COCONUT OIL AND PALM OIL ON SERUM LIPID PROFILE OF WISTAR RATS

Nsimah Monday Essien, Sunday Okpa*, Justina Nwandimma Nwangwa, Clement Lishilinimye Ushuple, Kendrick Okay Ococoh, Inah Onete Inah and Nnabugwu Chukuezi

ABSTRACT

Background: This study examined the effects of coconut oil and palm oil supplementation on the serum lipid profile of male Wistar rats based on the premise that both oils possesses atherogenic potentials. Materials and Methods: Fifteen male Wistar rats weighing 120 – 200g were assigned into three groups (n=5). Control group received normal rat feed and water while the palm oil and coconut oil groups received 10% of rat feed supplemented with palm oil and coconut oil respectively. The administration was done orally and lasted for 28 days. Results: TC, TG and LDL-c significantly increased in the palm oil group compared with control whereas, HDL-c and VLDL-c significantly decreased in the palm oil group compared with control. Meanwhile, HDL-c, TG and VLDL-c were significantly increased in the coconut oil group compared with control, but TC and LDL-c concentrations were significantly decreased in the coconut group compared with control. Conclusion: The supplementation of 10 % of rat feed with coconut oil significantly increased total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) which may pose as a risk factor for atherogenesis while palm oil administration shows no adverse effects to serum lipid profile.

Keywords: Coconut oil, palm oil, serum lipid profile, Wistar rats.