title: Antihypertriglyceridemic effect of walnut oil.
abstract: Hyperlipidemia is an important modifiable risk factor of coronary heart diseases. So far, several studies, have indicated the beneficial effects of nuts on plasma lipid profile. Previously, in a pilot study the authors have shown that administration of 20 g/day of Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) for 8 weeks could decrease plasma triglyceride (TG) concentration by 17% (p value < 0.05). Walnut also increased the plasma HDL-cholesterol level markedly (p value < 0.05). To make the measurements more reliable and to avoid the unwanted walnut side effects (eg, rash, pruritus), this randomized, double blind case-control study was conducted to evaluate the lipid-lowering effect of Persian walnut oil in the population of southern Iran. Sixty hyperlipidemic subjects were randomized into 2 groups; group A patients (n = 29) received walnut oil encapsulated in 500 mg capsules, 3 g/day, for 45 days. Group B patients (n = 31) received placebo and served as the control group. Lipid profiles of both groups were checked before; on days 15, 30, and 45 after the beginning; and 15 days after termination of the study. Plasma TG concentrations decreased by 19% to 33% of baseline in group A patients (p value < 0.05). No statistically significant change was observed in other measured parameters. It was concluded that walnut oil is a good antihypertriglyceridemic natural remedy and should be further explored in more detail.
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Public Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Zibaeem2@sums.ac.ir
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Zibaeenezhad
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rezaiezadeh
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mowla
authors.forename: S M T
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Ayatollahi
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Panjehshahin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015228:Hypertriglyceridemia / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009754:Nuts; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008055:Lipids; D010938:Plant Oils