The hypolipidemic effect of onion (Allium cepa Linn) in sucrose fed rabbits.

Long term administration of sucrose significantly increased triglyceride levels in normal rabbits. Effects of an aqueous extract of onion on the sucrose fed rabbits have been investigated. Administration of onion extract significantly reduced serum, liver and aorta triglycerides and serum and liver proteins. On the other hand liver free amino acids have been significantly increased in the onion treated group as compared to the sucrose fed control. The effects of onion have been ascribed to its sulfur containing principles which oxidize thiol compounds either present free or combined in a protein and NADPH which are necessary for lipid synthesis.