Hypolipidemic principle of the inflorescence stalk of plantain (Musa sapientum).

ABSTRACT

A pectin present in the juice of the inflorescence stalk of plantain (Musa sapientum) has been isolated. The material contained 32·4% hexoses and 52·5% uronic acid. On administration to rats fed both cholesterol free and cholesterol diet, this material showed significant lowering of cholesterol and triglycerides in the serum, liver and aorta. There was decreased cholesterogenesis in the liver as was evident from decreased activity of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase and decreased incorporation of labelled acetate into hepatic cholesterol. Hepatic bile acids showed significant increase and there was increased fecal excretion of neutral sterols and bile acids. Release of lipoproteins into the circulation was lower. The material also caused increase in the activity of lipoprotein lipase in the heart and adipose tissue and also of plasma lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase.