year 6, Issue 22 (5-2007)                   J. Med. Plants 2007, 6(22): 39-45 | Back to browse issues page

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1- Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran , S_asgari@crc.mui.ac.ir
2- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Isfahan University, Isfahan, Iran
3- Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
4- Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Feiz Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
5- Department of Patology, Faculty of Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
6- Torabinejad Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract:   (5424 Views)
Background: Phytoestrogens with a biological activity like estradiol are naturally found in many plants. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the effect of red clover (RC), a phytoestrogen-rich member of the legume family (Trifolium pratense L.) on the development of atherosclerosis in male hyperlipidemic rabbits. Method: Twenty rabbits were semi-randomly distributed into four groups of five each. Two groups received either normal diet or normal diet supplemented with RC. Two other groups received similar diets to both of which 1% cholesterol was added. Results: Dietary use of RC in hyperlipidemic rabbits significantly decreased C-reactive protein (CRP), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) whereas, HDL - cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly increased in those animals (p<0.05). Fatty streak formation was also significantly lower in aorta and left and right coronary arteries in the same animals due to use of dietary RC supplementation. Conclusion: These findings suggest that dietary RC may reduce cardiovascular risk factors.
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Type of Study: Research | Subject: Pharmacology & Toxicology
Received: 2005/12/6 | Accepted: 2007/01/10 | Published: 2007/06/21

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