Effects of solanum melongena in the metabolic profile of wistar rats

The industrial revolution led to profound modifications in the lifestyle and increased the percentages of obesity, insulin resistance/Diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension that augment the risk of developing Cardiovascular Diseases (CD). Solanummelongena (eggplant) is popularly much used with the purpose of reducing lipid levels. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the eggplant on the metabolic profile of Wistar rats. The animals were treated with eggplant floor mixed with the commercial rat chow for 45 days. After that, we evaluated anthropometric and biochemicalparameters (glycemia, total cholesterol (TC), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL-c), High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL-c), triglycerides (TG) and Atherogenic Indices). The use of the eggplant increased body weight, thoracic and abdominal circumference and did not promote modifications in the glycemia, lipid profile, and Atherogenic indices. Our study showed that the use of the popular S. menongena did not promote modifications in the anthropometric and biochemical profile, nor even the level of lipids, that is the main reason for its popular use. Based on these results we suggest that more studies should be performedin order toestablish the effects of this plant in humans and if benefits are proved, the studies should also demonstrate the correct amounts that should be used by the patients. Until now we may say that the use of S. menongena floor does not have support to be used as a lowering lipid agent.