The Potential Effect of Seeds (Portulaca O.–Linum Usitatissimum) on Obesity in Experimental Animals

Document Type : Original research articles

Authors

1 Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Home Economics, Menoufia University Shibin El Kom, Egypt

2 Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Home Economics, Menoufeya University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt

Abstract

Obesity is a chronic and complex disease, as it increases abnormal fat in the body, impairs health, leads to long-term medical complications, and reduces life span. Albino rats were divided into two main groups to study the potential effect of portulaca and flax seeds on obese rats; the first (1) group (5 rats) was fed as a normal control group on a basic, standard diet. The second main group (35 rats) was fed a high-fat diet. They were classified into seven equal subgroups: (2) As a positive control group, fed the standard diet, and groups (3 and 4) were fed the standard diet and purslane seed powder at a dose of 2.5% and 5%, respectively. Group (5 and 6) was fed a standard diet and flaxseed powder at a dose of 2.5% and 5%, respectively. The group (7, 8) was fed a mixture of purslane and flaxseed in addition to the standard diet at a dose of 2.5% and 5%, respectively. The results indicated significantly lower levels of LDLc, VLDLc, liver enzymes (ALT and AST), uric acid, urea, creatinine, and TSH compared to the positive control group. On the other hand, the coefficients significantly increased the values of T3 and T4 compared to the positive control group. In conclusion, purslane and flaxseed can improve lipids and thyroid hormones. The main aim of this study is to find the best ways to treat obesity.

Keywords

Main Subjects