Hypocholesterolaemic effect of the oleoresin of Capsicum annum L. in gerbils (Meriones hurrianae Jerdon).

The effect of capsicum oleoresin (CO) on dietary hypercholeterolaemia were observed in male gerbils at a dose of 75 mg/kg body wt/day. The oleoresin reduced serum cholesterol and triglycerides by 70% and 66%, whereas, liver cholesterol and triglycerides were lowered by 70.9% and 68.7% respectively, in comparison with atherogenic fed controls. CO feeding prevented the accumulation of cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver and aorta. The faecal excretion of cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly increased in oleoresin fed gerbils.