Grain Sorghum Lipid Extract Reduces Cholesterol Absorption and Plasma Non-HDL Cholesterol Concentration in Hamsters

Abstract

Grain sorghum is a rich source of phytochemicals that could potentially benefit human health. In this study, male hamsters were fed AIN-93M diets supplemented with a hexane-extractable lipid fraction from grain sorghum whole kernels. The grain sorghum lipids (GSL) comprised 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, or 5.0% of the diet by weight. After 4 wk, dietary GSL significantly reduced plasma non-HDL cholesterol concentration in a dose-dependent manner with reductions of 18, 36, and 69% in hamsters fed 0.5, 1.0, and 5.0% GSL, respectively, compared with controls. Liver cholesteryl ester concentration was also significantly reduced in hamsters fed GSL. Plasma HDL cholesterol concentration was not altered (P > 0.05) by dietary treatment. Cholesterol absorption efficiency was significantly reduced by GSL in a dose-dependent manner. Cholesterol absorption was also directly correlated with plasma non-HDL cholesterol concentration (r = 0.97, P < 0.05), suggesting that dietary GSL lowers non-HDL cholesterol, at least in part, by inhibiting cholesterol absorption. TLC and GLC analyses of the GSL extract revealed the presence of plant sterols and policosanols at concentrations of 0.35 and 8.0 g/100 g GSL, respectively. Although plant sterols reduce cholesterol absorption, policosanols may inhibit endogenous cholesterol synthesis. The data suggest that these components of GSL extract may work collectively in lowering plasma and liver cholesterol concentrations. Our findings further indicate that grain sorghum contains beneficial components that could be used as food ingredients or dietary supplements to manage cholesterol levels in humans.

Sorghum: An Underutilized Cereal Whole Grain with the Potential to Assist in the Prevention of Chronic Disease

“…This effect was repeated in another hamster model of hypercholesterolemia, when grain sorghum lipid extract included in the diet significantly reduced plasma non-HDL and liver esterified cholesterol levels while increasing HDL levels. (77) In all these studies, total cholesterol levels were reduced in animals consuming sorghum-based diets compared to sorghum-free control diets. In a single negative finding, Lee et al (169) found that while sorghum consumption increased HDL-cholesterol levels, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were increased in a rat model.…”

“…Based on research in hamsters, Carr et al (77) suggested that the primary cholesterol-lowering mechanism of sorghum lipid extracts appears to be a reduction in cholesterol absorption with a concomitant increase in fecal sterol excretion. Specifically, policosanols (a mixture of longchained primary alcohols) in the sorghum lipid extracts appear to inhibit endogenous cholesterol synthesis.…”

“…Specifically, policosanols (a mixture of longchained primary alcohols) in the sorghum lipid extracts appear to inhibit endogenous cholesterol synthesis. (77) Sorghum also contains plant sterols that may reduce cholesterol absorption to collectively lower plasma and liver cholesterol concentrations. (77) These results were recently supported by Lee et al (78) in a hamster model of hypercholesterolemia, investigating the effects of whole kernel grain sorghum oil (rich in plant sterols) and wax (high in policosanols).…”

“…(77) Sorghum also contains plant sterols that may reduce cholesterol absorption to collectively lower plasma and liver cholesterol concentrations. (77) These results were recently supported by Lee et al (78) in a hamster model of hypercholesterolemia, investigating the effects of whole kernel grain sorghum oil (rich in plant sterols) and wax (high in policosanols). The authors report that the sorghum oil played a more significant role in modulating cholesterol, most likely by inhibiting absorption, however subtle interactions by the wax may have contributed to the effect.…”

Cultura de células em suspensão como ferramenta para estudos em parede celular secundária em gramí­neas C4

“…(Shakoor et al, 2014) O sorgo destaca-se atualmente como o quinto cereal de maior produção no mundo, sendo uma alternativa ao consumo de cereais convencionais como arroz, milho, trigo e cevada. Como alimento, o sorgo apresenta vantagens devido à elevadas concentrações de compostos fenólicos que atuam como antioxidantes, contribuindo na redução de doenças cardiovasculares (Carr et al, 2005), diabetes (Lakshmi & Vimala, 1996), obesidade (Al-Mamary et al, 2001) e câncer Yang et al, 2009), além de apresentar grande quantidade de fibras alimentares, agregando valor nutricional (Awika et al, 2005). Ademais, o sorgo apresenta alta resistência ao estresse hídrico, respondendo de maneira mais eficiente ao cultivo sob essas condições quando comparado a outros cereais (Magalhães et al, 2000).…”