EFFECTS OF HYDROLYZED XYLOGLUCAN ON LIPID-METABOLISM IN RATS

Xyloglucan is a component of the cell walls of higher plants. Hydrolyz ed xyloglucan, which consists of xyloglucan heptasaccharide (Glu(4)Xyl (3)), octasaccharide (Glu(4)Xyl(3)Gal) and nonasaccharide (Glu(4)Xyl(3 )Gal(2)), is known to regulate plant growth. However its effects on an imals are unknown. In this study we prepared hydrolyzed xyloglucan fro m the tamarind plant using endo-1,4-beta-glucanase and examined its ef fects on lipid metabolism in rats fed a high-fat diet containing corn oil (2%) and lard (15%) for 35 days. Among the plasma lipids, total li pid, cholesterol, triglyceride and beta-lipoprotein were each reduced 14-17% by hydrolyzed xyloglucan. Hydrolyzed xyloglucan significantly r educed adipose tissue weight, total plasma lipid and plasma GOT. Among the hepatic lipids, total lipid, cholesterol, triglyceride and phosph olipid were each significantly reduced by hydrolyzed xyloglucan. This report is the first to demonstrate the biological activity of hydrolyz ed xyloglucan in animals.