EFFECTS OF SUNFLOWERS ON LIPID-METABOLISM IN RATS

The effects of the flower lipid-saccharide complex (lipopolysaccharide analogue) and unsaponifiable matter (1 g/kg diet) of the sunflower on various lipid parameters was studied in rats given cholesterol-enriched diets. After six weeks of feeding, there were no significant differences in the concentrations of serum cholesterol and triacylglycerol, although they tended to decrease with dietary sunflower consumption. The liver cholesterol concentration was significantly reduced with the sunflower diet. The linoleate desaturation index, an arachidonic acid/linoleic acid ratio, in tissue phosphatidylcholine significantly increased in the unsaponifiable matter group. The fecal coprostanol and bile acid concentrations increased significantly in the lipid-saccharide complex and unsaponifiable matter groups. The fecal cholesterol concentrations also tended to increase with the dietary sunflower consumption.