Metabolic profile and atherogenic indices of rats treated with Tamarindus indica and Mentha piperita juice.

Changes in diet, physical inactivity and stress contribute to obesity, cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Literature shows that bioactive compounds may result in benefits to human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the glycemic, lipid profile and atherogenic indices of Wistar rats treated withMentha piperita andTamarindus indica juice. Animals received food and waterad libitumand were divided into 3 groups: control group (G1) that received 0.5 mL of water twice daily;Menthagroup (G2) treated with 0.5 mL of mint juice and group treated withTamarindus indicajuice (G3),   that received 0.5 mL of tamarind juice twice daily for 40 days. Groups G1, G2 and G3 received the drinks by intragastric rout. After this period the animals were sedated with sodium pentobarbital for blood collection and evaluation of the biochemical profile: total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, trig lycerides and glucose. Atherogenic indexes were also calculated. The results showed a reduction of total cholesterol, LDL-c, triglyceride, body weight and atherogenic indices; and increase in the levels of HDL-c. We may suggest that the use of mint and tamarind juice can positively affect the bioche mical parameters and reduce the atherogenic indexes of Wistar rats.
Source: International Journal of Phytomedicine - Category: Science Authors: Source Type: research