Effects of Citrus aurantifolia peel essential oil on serum cholesterol levels in Wistar rats

The present study seeks to evaluate the effects of Citrus aurantifolia peel essential oil on serum triglyceride and cholesterols in Wistar rats. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: control, sham, and 3 experimental groups. The animals were treated in 2 phases: first, except for control group, which received normal saline, the rest of the groups were fed with a high cholesterol regimen to induce hyperlipidemia; then, the 3 experimental groups were treated with Citrus aurantifolia peel essential oil in 3 different doses: 25, 50, and 100 lit/kg. Results: The sham group demonstrated a significant rise in mean serum triglyceride, cholesterol, and LDL level in comparison with the control group (p<0.05) proving the effectiveness of hypercholesterolemia induction. The results of experimental groups treated with peel essential oil in 50 and 100 lit/kg doses demonstrated a significant reduction in triglyceride, cholesterol, and LDL (p< 0.01). Application of the peel essential oil of Citrus aurantifolia showed significant decrease of cholesterol in rats in doses 50 and 100 lit/kg. It is suggested that for cardiovascular risk reduction, the essential oil may be investigated for the same effects in human beings.