The impact of Samh seeds on blood parameters of experimental animals

Abstract

Samh seeds are cultivated in some regions of KSA and some people think that it can improve health. We aimed to find out the health benefits of Samh seeds. The seeds were obtained from Al Jouf, KSA and roasted for 5 min and grounded into flour. Its content from protein, fat and carbohydrate were determined. Thirty six normal male albino rats (100±5.0 g) were classified into 6 groups; control group that fed standard diet only, 5% Samh group received 5% of the seeds; 15% Samh group fed 15% of the seeds; high lipid diet group received high lipid diet (15% fat and 1% cholesterol); 5% Samh and high lipid group received high lipid diet plus 5% of the seeds and 15% Samh and high lipid diet group received high lipid diet plus 15% of the seeds. After 60 days, rats were fasted then anesthetized and blood samples were collected for determination of glucose, blood lipids, urea, creatinine, albumin, total protein, billirubin, calcium and iron. The results showed that the seeds are rich in protein (22.3±2.1%) and the administration of 5% of the seeds decreased glucose and BUN, while it elevated creatinine, albumin, total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, calcium and iron. On the other hand the administration of 15% of the seeds decreased creatinine, albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL, while increased glucose, BUN, total bilirubin, HDL and iron. In conclusion the administration of 15% of Samh seeds flour reduce creatinine concentration and improve blood lipids especially cholesterol, HDL and LDL. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2009.