CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING EFFECTS OF RHUBARB STALK FIBER IN HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC MEN

Objective: The present study was undertaken to examine the lipid lower ing effects of rhubarb fiber prepared by blanching and drying fresh rh ubarb stalks. The new fiber source contained 74% dietary fiber, on dry weight basis, with 66% insoluble and 8% soluble fiber. Design: Ten hy percholesterolemic men were assigned to consume 27 g of ground rhubarb stalk fiber per day for 4 weeks. The dietary intake in terms of total energy, lipid and cholesterol was kept unaltered during the study per iod. Changes in serum lipid profile were monitored by obtaining blood samples before and after the fiber intervention. Results: Rhubarb fibe r supplementation resulted in significant lowering of serum total chol esterol (8%) and low-density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (9%), while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) concentrations remained un changed. The depressed total and LDL cholesterol levels returned to ba seline after the fiber supplementation was withdrawn for 1 month. Conc lusion: The rhubarb stalk fiber is effective in lowering serum cholest erol concentrations, especially LDL cholesterol, in hypercholesterolem ic men. These results signify the potential use of underutilized rhuba rb crop.