Hypocholesterolemic Effects of Chia and Basil Seed Powders in Poloxamer-407–Induced Hypercholesterolemic Rats

Background: Hypercholesterolemia is a primary driver of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Functional foods like chia and basil seeds, rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, offer a promising dietary strategy for its management. Objective: This study investigated the individual and combined efficacy of chia and basil seed powder on lipid profile, hematological parameters, and liver function in a hypercholesterolemic rat model. Methods: A two-part study was conducted. First, a proximate analysis determined the nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity (Total Phenolic Content and DPPH assay) of the seeds. Second, twenty-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=5): Normal control (T0), Hypercholesterolemic control (T1), Chia seed-treated (T2), Basil seed-treated (T3), and Combined seed-treated (T4). Hypercholesterolemia was induced with Poloxamer-407. Treatment groups received a 10% (w/w) dietary incorporation of seed powders for 28 days. Body weight, feed intake, lipid profile, hematological indices, and liver enzymes were assessed. Results: Proximate analysis revealed chia seeds were richer in crude fat (30.45%) and fiber (34.65%), while basil seeds had higher ash (5.76%) and antioxidant activity (TPC: 18.31 mg GAE/g; DPPH: 65.89%). In-vivo results showed that the combined treatment (T4) was most effective, significantly (p < 0.05) reducing total cholesterol (95.51 mg/dL), LDL-C (42.67 mg/dL), triglycerides (117.8 mg/dL), VLDL (28.4 mg/dL), and liver enzymes (ALT: 42.2 U/L; AST: 58.2 U/L; ALP: 39.5 U/L) compared to the hypercholesterolemic control (T1). T4 also significantly improved HDL-C (50.5 mg/dL) and ameliorated hypercholesterolemia-induced hematological disturbances (Hb, HCT, RBCs, Platelets). Conclusion: Chia and basil seed powders, particularly in combination, exhibit potent hypocholesterolemic, hepatoprotective, and hematorestorative effects. This synergistic action positions them as effective, natural dietary adjuncts for managing hypercholesterolemia and associated metabolic complications.