Potentiation of the hypolipidemic influence of dietary tender cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) by garlic in cholesterol fed rats

Tender cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) (CB), a rich source of soluble fibre was evaluated for hypolipidemic influence in atherogenic situation along with a known hypocholesterolemic spice garlic in rats. Wistar rats were rendered hypercholesterolemic by feeding 0.5% cholesterol diet for 8 weeks. Inclusion of CB (15%), garlic (1%) and their combination in high-cholesterol diet produced significant hypolipidemic effects. The combination produced 56% decrease in serum cholesterol. Decrease in serum cholesterol seen in basal groups by these dietary interventions was additive with the combination. Increase in serum triglycerides was countered in animals fed CB, garlic or their combination. Elevation in hepatic cholesterol and triglycerides was countered by CB and garlic, the combination reducing it even more. Biliary secretion of bile acids was increased by CB, garlic and their combination in atherogenic condition. Thus, garlic potentiated the beneficial influence of dietary CB on serum, liver and biliary lipids in high-cholesterol fed situation.