Study of the Lipid and Lipoprotein Profile and Weight Gain in Rabbits Treated with Spirulina (Spirulina platensis)

Abstract

This experimental study aimed to assess the effect of Spirulina platensis on the lipid and lipoprotein profile, as well as body weight gain, in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Young-adult rabbits were divided into four groups (n=3 per group): a control group and three groups treated intraperitoneally with different doses of spirulina (100, 250, and 700 mg/kg of body weight) for three consecutive days. Biochemical parameters (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides) were measured on days 0, 7, 14, and 21, using the endpoint enzymatic method, and body weight (bw) was monitored until day 28. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol was observed only in the group treated with 100 mg/kg of bw. No significant changes were noted in HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In addition, significant body weight gains were observed in all treated groups, particularly at the 700 mg/kg dose starting from day 7. These results suggest that spirulina may exert hypolipidemic effects at low doses and promote weight gain without adverse metabolic consequences, making it a promising nutritional supplement for the prevention of metabolic disorders.