Potentiation of the hypolipidemic influence of dietary tender cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) by garlic in cholesterol fed rats.

Tender cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) (CB), a rich source of soluble fibre was evaluated for hypolipidemic
influence in atherogenic situation along with a known hypocholesterolemic spice garlic in
rats. Wistar rats were rendered hypercholesterolemic by feeding 0.5% cholesterol diet for 8 weeks. Inclusion
of CB (15%), garlic (1%) and their combination in high-cholesterol diet produced significant hypolipidemic
effects. The combination produced 56% decrease in serum cholesterol. Decrease in serum
cholesterol seen in basal groups by these dietary interventions was additive with the combination.
Increase in serum triglycerides was countered in animals fed CB, garlic or their combination. Elevation
in hepatic cholesterol and triglycerides was countered by CB and garlic, the combination reducing it even
more. Biliary secretion of bile acids was increased by CB, garlic and their combination in atherogenic condition.
Thus, garlic potentiated the beneficial influence of dietary CB on serum, liver and biliary lipids in
high-cholesterol fed situation.