The Influence of Two Types of Chia Seed on Some Physiological Parameters in Diabetic Rats

Eman Alamri‎

Abstract

Chia seeds have been the focus of recent research; however, there are no studies available in the literature that compare the potentially different effects of black chia seeds and white chia seeds on diabetes. Therefore, the current study aimed to compare the effect of black chia seeds and white chia seeds on some selected parameters in diabetic rats. A total of 40 adult male albino Sprague Dawley rats were included in the study, and were divided evenly into four groups. Group 1 (non-diabetic control) and group 2 (diabetic control) were fed a basal diet, group 3 (diabetic) was fed a basal diet plus 20% of black chia seeds, and group 4 (diabetic) was fed a basal diet plus 20% of white chia seeds. Diabetes was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg body weight). The results showed that, compared to the control groups, the groups fed with white or black chia seeds had significantly lower levels of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)), and significantly higher levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, no significant difference was detected between black and white chia seeds. In conclusion, black and white chia seeds were both effective in reducing the levels of fasting blood glucose, improving lipid profile, and liver function, and therefore may be able to improve public health.