SERUM LIPID PROFILE;

Objective: To determine the effects of Nigella sativa and sunflower oil diet intake on serum lipid profile in albino rats. Material& Methods: Eighty four albino rats with equal number of males and females were selected for the study, they were divided into six differentgroups, Control groups1,111,V,were given low fat diet(3%),high fat diet(20%), high fat diet supplemented with bile salt (1% colic acid) andantithyroid drug (0.5% propylthiouracil). The Experimental groups were given the above diets with supplemented Nigella sativa. Low fat dietincreased all the lipid fractions significantly when given at12 and 24 weeks duration as compared to 0 week. Results: The high fat diet whengiven at different intervals decreased all lipid fractions significantly as compared to baseline level. The high fat diet with propylthiouracil andbile salt also increased all the lipid fractions and the increase was more as compared to previous groups. The supplements of Nigella sativain the groups decreased all the lipid fractions significantly as compared to the control groups except HDL-c, which was significantly increasedin all the experimental groups as compared to control groups. Conclusion: On the basis of these findings conclusions are made, that Nigellasativa has got TG,TC, and LDL-c lowering and HDL-c raising effects.3% sunflower oil low fat diet has got TG,TC,HDL-c, and LDL-c raisingeffects.20% sunflower oil high fat diet has got TG,TC,HDL-c and LDL-c lowering effects. Both Nigella sativa and sunflower oil have got lowatherogenic index (TC/HDL) and may be recommended in hyperlipidaemic patients or normal individuals.