Effects of dietary red clover on blood factors and cardiovascular fatty streak formation in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Abstract

Phytoestrogens with a biological activity like estradiol are naturally found in many plants. This study was designed to investigate the effect of red clover, a phytoestrogen-rich member of the legume family (Trifolium pratense) on the development of atherosclerosis in male hyperlipidemic rabbits. Twenty rabbits were semi-randomly distributed into four groups of five each. Two groups received either normal diet or normal diet supplemented with red clover. Two other groups received similar diets to both of which 1% cholesterol was added. Dietary use of red clover (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. These findings suggest that dietary RC may reduce cardiovascular risk factors.

Influence of alfalfa protein concentrate dietary supplementation on blood parameters of growing-finishing pigs

“…Xanthophylls and compounds of a similar mode of action reduce lipoxidase activity and decrease blood cholesterol content of animals and humans (27). The Pakistan studies on rabbits showed elevated concentration of the HDL fraction of cholesterol and lowered fat deposits clogging the arteries (2). Substantial reduction of total cholesterol and the LDL fraction in the blood of rabbits fed alfalfa concentrate supplement was reported by Khaleel et al (16).…”

“…The functional competence and metabolic profile of body fluids and tissues can change in response to feed additives used. Reviews published recently have highlighted herbal plants as dietary supplements (26), among them alfalfa preparation (2,3). Recent studies have underlined its effectiveness on sheep (21,29), turkeys (19), laying hens (12), broiler chickens (8), and finally, pigs (14,15,22), where low alfalfa protein concentrate (APC) supplementation in the 2% -3% range caused higher weight gains and better feed conversion.…”

Free radical scavenging actions of threeTrifoliumspecies in the protection of blood plasma antioxidant capacityin vitro

“…Contrary to this critical conclusion, a growing number of reports suggest the considerable medicinal value of red clover, e.g., the improvement of postmenopausal depressive and anxiety symptoms (Lipovac et al, 2010). Moreover, other beneficial activities of substances and extracts of T. pratense, such as cardiovascular disease-preventive effects, were also (Asgary et al, 2007). The physiological actions and biological properties of clover species other than T. pratense have not been well described; however, some evidence confirming a considerable therapeutic potential of various clovers is available (Renda et al, 2013).…”

The effects of aqueous extract of alfalfa on blood glucose and lipids in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

“…Alfalfa has an extremely high nutritive value; it includes vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, folic acid, minerals, protein, and benefi cial saponins [5,6]. Previous studies showed that adding alfalfa seed in human diet reduced triglycerides and LDL, improved HDL levels, and decreased blood glucose [7,8]. Therefore, alfalfa leaves are traditionally used in South Africa as an eff ective treatment for diabetes [9,10].…”