Effects of Perilla Seed Oil on Blood Lipids, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Hyperlipidemic Rats

Abstract

A high-fat diet is a key factor contributing to hyperlipidemia. Perilla seed oil, a plant-based source of omega-3, has the potential to reduce this risk. However, its effects have not been fully established. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of perilla seed oil on blood lipid levels, oxidative stress, and inflammation in rats induced with hyperlipidemia through a high-fat diet. Male Wistar rats were administered perilla seed oil at a dosage of 0.67 g/kg body weight per day for 8 weeks. The results showed that perilla seed oil significantly reduced triglyceride levels by 38.00% and 41.88% and total cholesterol levels by 17.16% and 15.91% in the high-fat diet and normal diet groups, respectively (p < 0.05). However, perilla seed oil had no significant effect on HDL and LDL levels. Additionally, perilla seed oil supplementation significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a biomarker of oxidative stress, by 68.18% in the high-fat diet group and 29.72% in the normal diet group. Regarding its anti-inflammatory effects, perilla seed oil reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels by 15.21% and 64.27% in the high-fat diet and normal diet groups, respectively (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that perilla seed oil has the potential to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome.