Abstract
We have previously shown that the Andalusian-cultivated Asparagus officinalis L. “triguero” variety produces hypocholesterolemic and hepatoprotective effects on rats. This asparagus is a rich source of phytochemicals although we hypothesized there would be some of them more involved in these functional properties. Thus, we aimed to study the effects of asparagus (500 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day) and their partially purified fractions in flavonoids (50 mg/kg bw/day), saponins (5 mg/kg bw/day) and dietary fiber (500 mg/kg bw/day) on oxidative status and on lipid profile in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet. After 5 weeks treatment, plasma lipid values, hepatic enzyme activities and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were measured. With the exception of the saponin fraction (SF), the administration of lyophilized asparagus (LA), fiber fraction (FF), and flavonoid fraction (FVF) to hypercholesterolemic rats produced a significant hypolipidemic effect compare to a high-cholesterol diet (HCD). In addition, the LA and FVF groups exhibited a significant increase in enzyme activity from multiple hepatic antioxidant systems including: superoxide dismutase, catalase, and gluthatione reductase/peroxidase as well as a decrease in MDA concentrations compared to HCD group. These results demonstrate that “triguero” asparagus possesses bioactive constituents, especially dietary fiber and flavonoids, that improve the plasma lipid profile and prevent hepatic oxidative damage under conditions of hypercholesterolemia.
Highlights
It is widely accepted that hypercholesterolemia, elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c) cholesterol concentration and hypertriglyceridemia are major risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease [1]
Dietary fiber was present at high levels in both lyophilized asparagus (LA) and fiber fraction (FF) fractions, its content in FF was a bit higher than in LA
This effect was correlated with a significant decrease in animal body weight gain in the flavonoid fraction (FVF) and LA groups; in this sense, no significant effect was found in the saponin fraction (SF) or FF groups
Summary
It is widely accepted that hypercholesterolemia, elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c) cholesterol concentration and hypertriglyceridemia are major risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease [1]. It is desirable to lower total plasma cholesterol through non-pharmaceutical strategies, such as consuming foods containing bioactive compounds with hypocholesterolemic effects. Many vegetables and functional food supplements have been used for the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Many studies have been conducted to identify the active ingredients responsible for the lipid-lowering properties of plant foods. For example, dietary fiber and polyphenols from vegetable products, such as cocoa and peanut skins, have been found to positively affect serum lipid and lipoprotein profiles in hypercholesterolemic rats [4,5]
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