Authors : Ngondi Judith L , Mbouobda Hermann D , S. Etame and Oben Julius
Abstract: Many studies suggest oils with a high medium chain saturated fatty acids content are responsible for the cholesterol-raising effect of saturated fat The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Irvingia gabonensis kernel oil on plasma lipoproteins, blood glucose and liver lipids in rats. A feeding experiment was carried out in which rats were fed to a normal diet and the received a daily administration of oil 1 mL of Irvingia oil or desionised water water (controls). After 4 weeks, blood lipids, blood glucose liver and fecal lipids were mesured using standard methods. After 4 weeks the plasma HDL cholesterol (p<0.01) and triglyceride levels (0.01) were higher in Irvingia oil group. There was no difference in plasma cholesterol and LDL cholesterol level but LDL:HDL and total cholesterol:HDL ratios (p<0.01) were significantly lower after the administration of the Irvingia oil. The Blood glucose level (p<0.01) of animals receiving Irvingia oil was also lower compare to controls.The liver cholesterol (p<0.01) and triglyceride levels (P<0.002) were significantly higher in Irvingia oil group. Although the Irvingia oil has a myristic acid and lauric acid values of 39.2 and 51.1%, respectively, the hypocholesterolemic effect can be explain by high the Vitamin A, $- carotene and may be phytosterols levels.
Ngondi Judith L , Mbouobda Hermann D , S. Etame and Oben Julius , 2005. Effect of Irvingia gabonensis Kernel Oil on Blood and Liver Lipids on Lean and Overweight Rats . Journal of Food Technology, 3: 592-594.