Effect of Cannabis sativa L. Seed (Hempseed) on Serum Lipid and Protein Profiles of Rat

Abstract

Cannabis sativa L. is considered as nutritional plant. Whole hempseed typically contains over 30% oil (3%saturated and 28%unsaturated fatty acids) and about 25% protein. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of hempseed on lipid and protein profiles of rats. After the acclimatization, at the beginning of experiment (day 1) the feeding of animal stopped and after 12hr fasting the animal anesthetized by ketamine/xylazine combination and 2ml blood of heart was taken. The rats had free access to normal diet and hempseed for 20 days and at the end of experiment (day 20) blood was taken again. The blood parameters were measured by automated biochemical analyzer. Hempseed significantly (p=0.004) decreased the mean fasting serum LDL level and also significantly increased the mean fasting serum HDL and total protein levels (p=0.01). The mean fasting triglyceride, total cholesterol and albumin levels didn`t significantly change. The significant level was 0.05 or less. Short term hempseed feeding has improved blood lipid and protein profile. In the light of this research, it is recommended that individuals who have high cholesterol and LDL levels or affected to coronary artery diseases (CAD) and liver diseases, they can use hempseed variety that cultivated in Khorasan province of Iran in their food preparation.