Biochemical appraisal of the underutilized Hura crepitans seed oil: functional and inflammatory responses in albino rats

Hura crepitans seed oil (HCSO) remains under-utilized, largely due to the scarcity in data regarding its biochemical properties. To investigate the functional and pro-inflammatory responses to HCSO, twenty-four male rats were grouped into four and received compounded diets containing 5%-HCSO; 10%-HCSO; 15%-HCSO; and 15%-AHO (as control) for eight weeks. The functional responses and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and their receptors were appraised. The organ function biomarkers in rats fed with HCSO-supplemented diets were statistically similar to those of control rats, except for uric acid and creatine levels, which were significantly lower in the HCSO-fed groups, and the urea level, which was elevated in all HCSO-fed groups. Also, HCSO significantly downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and their receptors (IL-1R and IL-6R), when compared to the control group. Our results highlight the reno- and cardio-protective potentials of HCSO, as well as its anti-inflammatory potentials.