Rice α-globulin decreases serum cholesterol concentrations in rats fed a hypercholesterolemic diet and ameliorates atherosclerotic lesions in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

► We isolated a rice globulin fraction from rice flour and then it was composed of a single protein, α-globulin. ► Oral administration of rice α-globulin improves hypercholesterolemia in rats fed a hypercholesterolemic diet. ► The mechanism of hypocholesterolemic effect of rice α-globulin is inhibiting cholesterol absorption in the intestine. ► Oral administration of rice α-globulin inhibits atherosclerosis development in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. ► The anti-atherosclerotic effect exerts by mechanism(s) other than the regulation of serum MCP-1 and NO concentrations.