COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF CASHEW PROTEIN (ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE) AND SOY PROTEIN (GLYCENE MAX) ON LIPID METABOLISM IN RATS

Background: Experiments were carried out to compare the hypolipidemic effects of cashew protein and soy protein in male rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were divided in to three groups. Group-I administered casein, group-II soy protein and group-III cashew protein for 60 days. At the end of the experimental period blood and tissues were collected for the analysis of lipid parameters and enzyme assays and 24 h before sacrifice, fecal samples were collected for the estimation of sterols and bile acids. Results: Both cashew protein and soy protein fed rats showed lower levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol and phospholipids in the serum and tissues. Lower levels of serum VLDL+LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were observed in these groups. There was decreased concentration of free fatty acids in the serum and liver in rats fed cashew protein and soy protein. Activity of glucose -6- phosphate dehydrogenase was lower in both cashew protein and soy protein fed rats. Administration of cashew protein and soy protein results in increased concentration of hepatic bile acids. Fecal excretion of neutral sterols and bile acids were also more in both groups. Conclusion: This study indicates that compared to cashew protein, the lipid lowering effect is more with soy protein fed rats.