SERUM-CHOLESTEROL, TRIGLYCERIDES AND TOTAL LIPID FATTY-ACIDS OF RATS IN RESPONSE TO OKRA (HIBISCUS-ESCULENTUS) SEED OIL

Tender pods of okra are commonly consumed vegetables in India. Okra seed kernel, like soybean, is a rich source of protein and fat. Its fat, with its appreciable linoleic acid content (> 42%), prompted us to look into its metabolic utility in comparison with commonly consumed groundnut oil. Serum lipid profiles, with respect to cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipid fatty acids were determined in rats receiving okra seed oil at a level of 10% in the casein based diet which was adequate with respect to vitamins, minerals, etc. The control group received a casein based diet in which groundnut oil was the source of fat. Serum lipid profiles in this group were similarly monitored. The feeding trial was carried out for a period of 90 days. Results showed that serum cholesterol content of rats receiving okra seed oil was significantly lower compared to those consuming groundnut oil. A decreasing trend in total lipids as well as triglycerides was also evident in animals fed okra seed oil. Serum fatty acid profiles showed a relatively higher proportion of long chain and polyunsaturated fatty acids in this group as compared to the group receiving groundnut oil. These results indicate that okra seed oil consumption has a potential hypocholesterolemic effect.