The Effect of Hevea Bransiliensis Natural Rubber on Weight Gain and Plasma Cholesterol Concentration of Experimental Rats

Abstract

The effects of Hevea bransiliensis natural rubber on weight gain and plasma cholesterol concentration of experimental rats were analyzed. Forty albino wister rats of either sex weighing 140-450g were used. The rats were divided into five equal groups marked A, B, C, D and E of eight rats each, and each group was fed on different dietary regime A, B, C, D and E respectively as indicated in tables 1 and 2. Diet A, (the control) had no rubber seed oil in the diet, whereas diets B, C, D and E (the experimental) had 2% refined rubber seed oil, 2% crude rubber seed oil, 4% refined rubber seed oil and 4% crude rubber seed oil by weight incorporated respectively. The results showed a general increase in mean weight with duration of feeding. Group D (4% refined rubber seed oil incorporated in the diet) showed more rapid increase in mean weights than groups E (4% crude rubber seed oil) and A (the control no rubber seed oil). The results also indicated a general increase in total and free plasma cholesterol levels of the rats within eight weeks duration of the feeding and fall during the remaining four weeks.