Effects of Plant Pigments on Serum and Liver Cholesterol Levels in Rats

Abstract

The effects of several plant pigments or its derivatives on cholesterol metabolism in rats were studied.
1. Serum and liver cholesterol depressing activity of Cu-Na-chlorophyllin, a water soluble derivative of chlorophyll, was markedly confirmed in the hypercholesterolemic rats placed on the diet containing 1% cholesterol and 0.25% bile salts.
2. However, no significant alterations in the level of serum cholesterol were shown in rats fed a cholesterol free, Cu-Na-chlorophyllin diet as compared with the control group. In such condition, a slight decrease in the liver cholesterol level was observed by Cu-Na-chlorophyllin supplement.
3. The hypocholesterolemic activities of β-carotene, rutin, quercetin and xanthophyll were not recognized.