Effect of Guar Feeding on the Lipid Profiles of Hypercholesterolaemic Rats and Rabbits

Abstract

The significantly increased total cholesterol level of serum, liver and aorta of rats fed on hypercholesterolaemic diet was progressively lowered by the simultaneous administration of guar decoctions. When rabbits were first rendered hypercholesterolaemic and fed orally with guar decoction (equivalent to 40 g/kg), there was a significant lowering of both cholesterol and triglyceride levels of serum, liver and aorta which was comparable to the effect produced by clofibrate (50 mg/kg), associated with an increased excretion of faecal sterols and bile salts. The hypolipidaemic effect of guar may be attributed to its fibre content acting by decreasing cholesterol absorption and enhancing cholesterol break down.

Key Word Index

Cyamopsis tetragonoloba - Fabaceae - Hypercholesterolaemic