Effects of the seeds of Aleurites moluccana on the metabolic profile of Wistar rats

Aleurites moluccana L. (Wild) is a native Euphorbiaceae from Indonesian and Malaysia but well adapted to the climatic conditions of the south and southeast of Brazil. It is popularly used for the treatment of asthma, hepatitis, ulcer, headache, fever, inflammation and exhibits anti-rheumatic effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of using the seeds of this plant in the biochemical and anthropometric profile, and visceral fat of Wistar rats. Male rats were divided into four groups: G1: control group treated with food and water ad libitum and propylene glycol orally, G2: control group treated with seed extract; G3: group treated with condensed milk and G4: group treated with condensed milk and seed extract). After 40 days we collect the blood samples to evaluation of glycaemia, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-c and Atherogenic Indices. Weight and visceral fat were also evaluated. Our results showed no interference in body weight, visceral fat, glycaemia, total cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c and triglycerides in the groups treated with the seeds but we found increase atherogenic indices. These results show that the seeds of A. mollucana do not bring the health benefits that population may found when using the extract of the leaves. This indicates that the use of the seeds should be reviewed in order to avoid undesirable effects.