DIETARY FIBER AND ACTIVITY OF INTESTINAL TISSUE BETA-GLUCURONIDASE INRATS

The effect of dietary fiber isolated from Coconut (Cocos nucifera) and Blackgram (Phaseolus mungo) on the metabolic activity of microflora i n the intestine and colon of the rats led a high protein high fat diet was studied. The bacterial beta - glucuronidase activity was found to be decreased in the fiber fed groups when compared to the control gro up. The activity of beta - glucuronidase in the tissues also decreased significantly in the fiber groups. The results indicate that the incl usion of Dietary fiber in the diet decreases the beta - glucuronidase when compared to a fiber free diet. These changes might alter the biol ogical activity, toxicity, excretion and reabsorption of man endogeneo us and exogeneous compounds such as carcinogens and/or co-carcinogen m etabolites.