Chlorella pyrenoidosa, young barley and fruit peel polyphenols in rat breast cancer model – the effects on plasma lipid metabolism

Abstract On the basis of several preclinical and clinical studies, we have assumed that phytochemicals may play an important role in plasma lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary administered Chlorella pyrenoidosa, young barley and fruit peel polyphenols from Flavin7 on plasma lipid metabolism in breast cancer model in female rats. The phytopharmaceuticals were dietary administered at two different concentrations (0.3% and 3%). The administration of drugs lasted for the whole duration of the experiment (14-15 weeks) until autopsy. At the end of the experiments blood was collected from animals and serum lipid parameters were evaluated. Flavin7 in lower dose significantly decreased LDL-cholesterol and in higher dose significantly decreased triacylglycerol and VLDL-cholesterol levels. Chlorella at the higher dose significantly decreased LDL- and VLDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels. Young barley significantly decreased LDL cholesterol (at the higher dose); on the other hand, a tendency of increased serum triacylglycerol and VLDLcholesterol levels was found (in both doses). Our results pointed to significant beneficial effects of fruit peel polyphenols from Flavin7 and C. pyrenoidosa on plasma lipid metabolism in female rats. Further research is needed to elucidate the health benefits of phytochemicals in whole foods.