Effect of blackgram fiber (Phaseolus mungo) on hepatic hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase activity, cholesterogenesis and cholesterol degradation in rats.

Rats maintained on cholesterol-free diet and fed neutral detergent fiber (NDF) from blackgram showed lower concentrations of cholesterol in the serum, liver and aorta, when compared to those fed isocaloric, fiber-free diet. Incorporation of labeled precursors, [1,2(-14)C]acetate and [U-14C]glucose, into cholesterol of liver was higher in these rats. The activity of hepatic hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase was also increased. Concentration of cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid in the liver was also more in rats fed blackgram NDF. The decreased concentration of cholesterol in the tissues may be due to its higher rate of hepatic degradation to bile acids.