A COMPARATIVE-STUDY ON THE HYPOLIPIDEMIC ACTIVITY OF 11 DIFFERENT PECTINS

Inclusion of pectin-rich fruits and vegetables can be regarded as one of the primary prevention strategies of hyperlipidemia. But, it has be en found that all pectins do not show effective hypolipidemic activity . Eleven pectins were screened among which pectins from Carica papaya, Coccinia indica, Lycopersicum esculentum and Cucumis sativus showed h ighly significant hypolipidemic activity in albino rats, while others were less significant or insignificant in their action. Detailed studi es on elucidating the mechanism of action of these pectins revealed th at hypolipidemic activity was mainly due to the lower rate of absorpti on and higher rate of degradation and elimination of lipids. The incre ased activity of plasma Lecithin Cholesterol Acyl Transferase activity (LCAT) in rats fed pectin can account for the significant decrease in the concentration of cholesterol. The higher activity of lipoprotein lipase in the adipose tissue and heart may be responsible for the decr eased concentration of triglycerides in serum of rats fed pectin.