Effect of blackgram fibre on ethanol-induced hyperlipidemia in rats.

Rats fed a diet low in fibre and provided with ethanol for 4 weeks showed a higher concentration of cholesterol in the serum, liver and heart, but not in the aorta when compared with control rats not provided with ethanol. Animals maintained on a diet of blackgram fibre (30%) and provided with ethanol had significantly lower concentration of cholesterol in these tissues and in the aorta. The concentration of triglyceride was also raised in the serum, liver and heart in rats fed a diet low in fibre + ethanol. A diet of blackgram fibre caused a significant decrease in serum and liver triglyceride. Fecal excretion of neutral sterols and bile acids decreased in rats fed a diet low in fibre + ethanol, whereas blackgram fibre caused an increase in such fecal excretion.