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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07231367

Effect of Sunflower Seed Consumption on Blood Cholesterol Levels in Adults

This study evaluates the effect of daily consumption of sunflower seeds on blood cholesterol levels in adult participants. Participants were randomly assigned to consume a specified amount of sunflower seeds for a defined period, and their blood cholesterol and lipid profile were measured before and after the intervention. The study aims to determine whether sunflower seeds can contribute to improving cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol. Adult men and women meeting the eligibility criteria were included in the study. The findings may help inform dietary recommendations for managing cholesterol and promoting heart health.

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Key information

Conditions

Hypercholesterolemia Dyslipidemias Hyperlipidemias Lipid Metabolism Disorders Metabolic Diseases Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases

Age range

40 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Agriculture, Faisalabad

Faisalābad, Punjab Province, 38000, Pakistan

About this study

This randomized, open-label human trial evaluated the cholesterol-lowering potential of sunflower seeds in adult participants. Eligible men and women were recruited based on inclusion criteria, which included age range, baseline cholesterol levels, and absence of major health conditions. Participants were randomly assigned to consume a defined daily portion of sunflower seeds for a specified intervention period. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the intervention to measure total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, and other relevant lipid parameters.

Prior to the human intervention, sunflower seeds were analyzed for their nutritional composition, mineral content, phytochemical profile, and fatty acid composition using standard laboratory procedures. Tests included proximate analysis (moisture, protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrate content), mineral quantification (calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc.), phytochemical assays (total phenolics, flavonoids), and fatty acid profiling using gas chromatography. These analyses provided a detailed characterization of the seeds' bioactive components relevant to cardiovascular health.

The study also included assessments of dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, and adherence to the intervention. The primary objective was to determine the effect of sunflower seed consumption on blood cholesterol levels, while secondary objectives included evaluating changes in lipid profile and potential associations with bioactive components of the seeds. Data were analyzed using standard statistical methods. The results aim to provide evidence on the role of sunflower seeds in cardiovascular risk management and to inform dietary recommendations.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Participants included males aged between 40 and 50 years, with serum cholesterol levels exceeding 200 mg/dL, and shared the same socioeconomic status.

Exclusion criteria

  • The participants were excluded based on different physiological factors, such as active smokers, alcoholics, chronic disease patients, people having extremely low or high BMI, people suffering from psychological disorders or familial hypercholesterolemia, people who belong to a high-income group, and people having doubts or confusion while following instructions

Treatment and study plan

Sunflower Seed Supplementation

Dietary Supplement

Participants consumed sunflower seeds daily for 45 days

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Total Cholesterol

    Time frame: Baseline and 45 days after intervention

    Total serum cholesterol measured using standard enzymatic methods at baseline and at the end of the 45 days sunflower seed supplementation period.

Secondary outcomes

  1. LDL Cholesterol

    Time frame: Baseline and 45 days after intervention

    LDL cholesterol measured using standard enzymatic methods at baseline and at the end of the 45 days supplementation period.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Faisalabad

Other

Registry information

Official study title

"Cholesterol-lowering Potential of Sunflower Seeds: Evidence From Phytochemical and Fatty Acid Composition and a Randomized Human Trial"

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Nov 17, 2025
Registry last updated
Nov 17, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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