Insoluble Vegetable Fiber as a Potential Functional Ingredient: <i>I</i><i>nvitro</i> Studies on Hypoglycemic and Hypocholesterolemic Effect

Abstract

Vegetable and fruit derived fibre plays a crucial role in promoting good health. Soluble and insoluble fiber has different physiological roles in human body. Insoluble fiber is known for having several beneficial effects like anti-constipating, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic. In the present study, insoluble dietary fiber from vegetables viz., <i>Nelumbo nucifera</i>, <i>Murraya koenigii</i>, <i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i> and <i>Brassica oleracea</i> were investigated <i>in vitro</i> for their hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effect. The hypoglycemic effect was studied by measuring glucose adsorption, glucose diffusion and amylase inhibitory activity whereas hypocholesterolemic effect was observed by bile salt (Sodium cholate) adsorption study. Results indicate that <i>N. nucifera</i> exerts significanteffect on glucose adsorption (7.40 ± 0.14 mmol/g) and amylase inhibitory activity (13.19 ± 0.66 %). Similarly glucose diffusion studies showed low diffusion values in case of <i>N. nucifera</i> as compared to others up to an hour. Also, <i>N. nucifera</i> showed highest sodium cholate binding capacity (10.11 ± 0.20 %) compared to other fibres when cellulose was used as a control. Thus, this study suggests that insoluble fibre from <i>N. nucifera</i> can be used for fortification of functional food products aimed at controlling glucose and cholesterol level.