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Published on: June 7, 2012
Prune suppresses ovariectomy-induced hypercholesterolemia in rats
E A Lucas1, S Juma, B J Stoecker
1Department of Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA.
The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry
|July 6, 2000
Summary
Prunes effectively lower high cholesterol in ovariectomized rats, mimicking menopause-related hormone deficiency. This study suggests prunes may help manage cholesterol in postmenopausal women seeking dietary solutions.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Nutritional Science
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Elevated cholesterol is a common concern for postmenopausal women due to ovarian hormone deficiency.
- Dietary interventions are sought as alternatives to hormone replacement therapy for managing hypercholesterolemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of prunes in an ovariectomized (ovx) rat model, simulating postmenopausal conditions.
- To assess the impact of prune consumption on serum lipids and liver lipids in the context of ovarian hormone deficiency.
Main Methods:
- Forty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized (ovx) or sham-operated and fed control, low-dose (5%), or high-dose (25%) prune diets for 45 days.
- Serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and liver total lipids were analyzed post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Ovariectomy significantly increased serum total cholesterol by 22% compared to sham-operated rats.
- High-dose prune consumption prevented the ovariectomy-induced rise in total cholesterol without altering HDL cholesterol levels.
- Animals fed the high-dose prune diet exhibited a 13% reduction in liver total lipids compared to ovx controls.
Conclusions:
- Prunes demonstrate significant hypocholesterolemic properties in a model of ovarian hormone deficiency.
- Further dose-response and mechanistic studies are warranted to confirm prune's effectiveness for postmenopausal hypercholesterolemia and elucidate its mode of action.
