Effects of xyloglucan with the partial removal of galactose on plasma lipid concentration

Xyloglucan is a component of the cell walls of higher plants that has been used as a thickener or stabilizer in the food industry in Japan and other Asian countries. Xyloglucan from which side-chain galactose has been partially removed or ‘trimmed’ by β-galactosidase (GXG-TG) shows heat-induced reversible gelation, and reverts to sol upon cooling. Xyloglucan is not digested by human digestive enzymes and acts as a dietary fiber. The effects of xyloglucan from which galactose has been partially removed on plasma lipid concentration in rats was investigated. Male Wistar rats (4 weeks old) were fed a high-fat diet (corn oil or lard) for 28 days (control) and other groups were given a high-fat diet (corn oil or lard) containing GXG-TG (5%, replacing cellulose). GXG-TG significantly reduced total cholesterol, β-lipoprotein, total lipid and phospholipid compared to a high-fat diet with corn oil. GXG-TG significantly reduced total cholesterol, β-lipoprotein, total lipid, phospholipid and adipose tissue weight compared to a high-fat diet with lard. These results indicated that the intake of GXG-TG improves lipid metabolism in rats, similar to that of the intact xyloglucan.

► Xyloglucan from which side-chain galactose has been partially removed by β-galactosidase shows a unique property, heat-induced reversible gelation.
► We report first the effects of xyloglucan from which side-chain galactose has been partially removed on plasma lipid metabolism in rats fed a high fat diet.
► In situ gelling character of water-insoluble xyloglucan from which side-chain galactose has been partially removed may lower cholesterol, though only water-soluble dietary fibers are considered to lower cholesterol levels.