Effects of Four Week Consumption of Lemon (Citrus limon L.) Essential Oil with Swimming Training on Lipid Profile and Lipid Peroxidation in Adult Male Mice

Background and Objectives: Exercise is a good stimulating factor for decrease of blood lipid. Lemon (Citrus limon L.) essential oil with antioxidant properties can prevent oxidative stresses. The present study was carried out to assess effects of four-week consumption of lemon essential oil with swimming training on lipid profile and lipid peroxidation.  Materials & Methods: Totally, 40 male mice (40 gr ±5) were divided randomly into four major groups (n = 10), including control, swimming, lemon essential oil and swimming with lemon essential oil groups. Swimming practice included four weeks of swimming in 25–27 ºC water for 30 min in each session, five sessions in a week. Lemon essential oil (50 mg/kg) was administered using gavage. Lipid peroxidation and lipid profile were assessed by blood sampling from the animal heart. Results: Lemon essential oil significantly decreased triglycerides (p < 0.001), LDL-C (p < 0.01), VLDL-C (p < 0.01), cholesterol (p < 0.01) and MDA (p < 0.001). Swimming training significantly decreased triglycerides, LDL-C, VLDL-C and MDA; however, cholesterol and HDL-C did not change significantly. Lemon essential oil consumption with swimming training significantly decreased triglycerides (p < 0.001), LDL-C (p < 0.01), VLDL-C (p < 0.01) and MDA (p < 0.001) and increased HDL-C (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In general, lime essential oil consumption with swimming training include decreasing effects on lipid peroxidation and lipid profile.