Effects of dietary supplementation with virgin sesame oil on lipid profile in rats

  Background: Because of the relationship between sesame oil consumption and reduced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rate, research on dietary intake of sesame oil is necessary.   Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with virgin sesame oil (VSO) on lipid profile in rats.   Methods: This experimental study was conducted in 28 adult male rats weighing 240-350 g. The experimental groups were fed with a diet supplemented with 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 ml/kg/day VSO via gastric gavage for 30 days and the control group received saline. Serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and L DL were measured. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA with LSD as post-hoc test.   Findings: Serum cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels were significantly decreased in the experimental groups compared to the control group. HDL was increased in a dose dependent fashion, but the difference was statistically significant for the 0.5 and 0.75 ml/Kg/day groups compared to the control group.   Conclusions: With regards to the results, virgin sesame oil supplementation decreased serum lipids that is probably due to the effects of antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids .