Sunflower Sprout: Nutraceuticals for Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of sunflower sprout (SFS) as potential nutraceutical for metabolic syndrome in mice. The mice were divided into 6 groups of 5 each: Low fat diet (LF), Reference diet (RD), High fat diet (HF), HF containing SFS in the amount of 2% (HF+SFS2%), 8% (HF+SFS8%) and 16% (HF+SFS16%), respectively. The experiment revealed the most significant bodyweight increase of 5.56 + 0.10% (P<0.05). Various servings of SFS (2%, 8% and 16%) did not affect the plasma triglyceride level (P>0.05), whereas the SFS did significantly decreased the total cholesterol level (P<0.05). The experiment also resulted in a rise of HDL and a reduction of LDL in the LF group and the HF groups that received SFS (2%, 8%, and 16% SFS). Hence, a significant decrease of TC:HDL ratio was observed in these 4 mentioned groups when compared to the HF group that did not receive SFS (P<0.05). The fasting blood glucose levels observed in the HF groups that were fed with complete doses of SFS had comparable value to the LF group. Additionally, liver enzymes (SGOT and ALP) were observed to be on the physiological range of healthy mice, which indicates SFS does not exhibit any sign of adverse effect on the liver function or general health. This outcome suggests the supplementation of SFS of at least 2% in feed can benefit the circulating lipid and glucose levels.