Effect of dietary fiber on the activity of intestinal and fecal beta-glucuronidase activity during 1,2-dimethylhydrazine induced colon carcinogenesis.

Effects of fibre isolated from black gram (Phaseolus mungo) and coconut (Cocos nucifera) kernel on activity of intestinal and faecal beta-glucuronidase during 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) induced colon carcinogenesis were studied using an animal model. beta-Glucuronidase has been shown to be a key enzyme in metabolism of DMH in the colon, to produce carcinogens. Sprague-Dawley male albino rats were given 1 of 3 diets, a fibre-free diet (control), a 30% black gram fibre containing diet or a 30% coconut fibre containing diet. Each group was treated weekly with DMH injections (20 mg/kg body wt.) for 15 wk. Intestinal and faecal beta-glucuronidase activities were determined weekly. Results indicated that inclusion of fibre from either source generally supported lower specific activities and less faecal output of beta-glucuronidase than did the fibre-free diet. It is suggested that the fibres isolated from coconut or black gram may potentially play a role in preventing formation of colonic tumours induced by the carcinogen DMH by reducing activity of intestinal and faecal beta-glucuronidase.