Date of Completion
7-2019
Document Type
Research Project
Degree Name
Grade 12
Keywords
blood cholesterol, Sunflower, Watermelon, Squash, Citrullus lanatus, Cucurbita maxima, hypocholesterolemic, caudal tail vein, high-fat diet, Helianthus annuu
Abstract
Coronary heart disease and stroke are known to be two of the world’s main causes of death. Such diseases can be associated with high cholesterol levels which in the Philippines, accounts for the suffering of 46.9% of adult Filipino aged 20 and above. This study examined ways to determine the potential of sunflower, watermelon, and squash seeds on lowering the blood cholesterol level on Rattus norvegicus (albino rat). Homogenized seeds were prepared and orally administered to the rats daily for two weeks two times a day. Twenty (20) albino rats, which were divided into four treatment groups, namely: T0 - Control, T1 - 10g Sunflower seeds, T2 – 10g Watermelon, and T3 - 10g Squash. The rats were acclimatized for seven days before high-fat diet was given. After acclimation, one week was allotted for the high fat diet containing pellets with lard to induce high blood cholesterol on the rats. Thereafter, 2 weeks was allotted for the administration of different treatments. Three sets of blood samples were collected: before high-fat diet, after high fat diet, and after seed treatment. Blood samples were obtained from the caudal tail vein and analyzed using Kernel Cholesterol Kit Monitoring System. Results showed that Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) is significant in terms of effectivity before and after the treatment. On the other hand, Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon), and Cucurbita maxima (Squash) has shown no significant effects on lowering blood cholesterol (p > 0.05) using t-test. Hence, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seeds were found to be more efficient in terms of lowering blood cholesterol compared to Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon), and Cucurbita maxima (Squash). However, in comparing which one is the most effective among the four groups, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed. Results have shown that there are no significant differences between the four treatment groups.
First Advisor
Myra Michella M. Mojica
APA Citation
Amano, A. F., Andamo, C. B., Dela Cruz, L. C., Enriquez, D. M., Gavino, F. G., & Obille, H. E. (2019). A comparative study on the hypocholesterolemic effects of Helianthus annuus (sunflower), Citrullus lanatus (watermelon), and Cucurbita maxima (squash) seeds on induced hypercholesterolemia in Rattus norvegicus (Albino rat). [Research output, De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute]. GreenPrints. https://greenprints.dlshsi.edu.ph/grade_12/78/