Ashraf Abd -El Aziz ABDEL-MEGEID, Aly Rashad ABDEL-MOEMIN*, Manal Kamal ABDEL-RAHMAN, Rasha Mahmoud ARAFA
pp. 62-69

The objective of this study was to determine whether the adverse effects of rich fructose diet can be modulated in the presence of common herbs specifically the effects on lipid profile, liver and kidney functions in male albino rats. The rats were divided into two main groups, the first main group (6 rats) fed on basal diet containing starch, while the second main group (66 rats) was divided into eleven subgroups (6 rats each) and fed on fructose-rich diet for 15 days and then supplemented with different herbs for 30 days. Feed intake was recorded during the experiment, rats were then sacrified and organ weight/body weight percentage were calculated recorded, liver and kidney functions and lipid profile were estimated. A significant reduction (p<0.05) of cholesterol has been noticed among rat groups that fed on fenugreek 2%, nutmeg 2%, and combined herbs 2% compared to positive control. Rat groups that were fed on nutmeg 2%, cardamom 2% and combined herbs 2%, showed a significant reduction of triacylglycerol (p<0.05). Liver and kidney functions were also improved. Microscopically examined liver and kidney of rats from ginger 2%, nutmeg 1%, cardamom 2% and combined herbs showed normal hepatocytes and fenugreek seeds 2%, cardamom 1%, nutmeg 1%, ginger 2% and combined herbs were revealed to normal renal cells.

Key words: rats, fructose, herbs, kidney and liver functions