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Hypolipidaemic effect of chemically different mucilages in rats: a comparative study
Puthenpura T Boban1, Bala Nambisan, Perumana R Sudhakaran
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Kerala, Kariavattom Campus, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 581, India.
The British Journal of Nutrition
|December 22, 2006
Summary
Dietary fibers like glucomannan and galactomannan effectively lower lipid levels by reducing very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) production. Their hypolipidaemic effects correlate with higher viscosity and water-holding capacity.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
- Food Science
Background:
- Dietary fibers exhibit varying capabilities in reducing lipid levels.
- Understanding the chemical diversity of fibers is crucial for their hypolipidaemic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how chemically diverse mucilages impact lipid and lipoprotein metabolism.
- To compare the hypolipidaemic effects of galactomannan, glucomannan, and arabinogalactan.
Main Methods:
- Administered fenugreek galactomannan, Dioscorea glucomannan, and Colocasia arabinogalactan to rats for 8 weeks.
- Analyzed lipid levels (cholesterol, triacylglycerols) in serum, liver, and aorta.
- Studied lipoprotein synthesis and secretion using isolated hepatocytes and metabolic labeling.
Main Results:
- All tested mucilages reduced serum and tissue lipid levels.
- Glucomannan demonstrated the strongest hypolipidaemic effect, followed by galactomannan and then arabinogalactan.
- Mannan-rich mucilages (glucomannan, galactomannan) showed greater viscosity and water-holding capacity, correlating with higher lipid-lowering effects.
Conclusions:
- Dietary fiber's hypolipidaemic effect is linked to reduced hepatic very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) production.
- The efficacy of dietary fiber in lowering lipids is dependent on its chemical composition and physical properties, such as viscosity and water-holding capacity.
