Chronic carob molasses intake and its impact on blood lipemia and glycemia in the rat model. (c2007)

Abstract

Carob molasses is one of the old traditional tasty sweets that used to be consumed frequently by the Lebanese community. It was believed to have several important medicinal functions of which the laxative effect was the most common. The present study investigates the effects of a six week period of carob molasses intake, along with a diet moderate or rich in saturated fat, upon lipemia and glycemia in the fasted state. Also, the study covers the effect of carob molasses intake upon postprandial lipemia. Results have shown that carob molasses intake do not have any significant effect on fasting serum glucose and insulin concentrations. However, a significant increase in HDL cholesterol concentration and an important improvement in the LDLlHDL cholesterol ratio were observed with carob molasses intake. No significant effects on serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triacylglycerol (TAG) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) concentrations were recorded with carob molasses intake. On the other hand, a significant increase in stool water content was observed when carob molasses was taken with the diet regardless of the fat content in the diet. Only a Significant increase in TAG but not cholesterol excretion in the stool was noted with the regular fat diet. Carob molasses intake for six weeks did not have any negative side effects as appeared from liver enzyme activities and liver fat content. Postprandially, the presence of carob molasses along with a lipid load significantly reduced serum TAG and chylomicron TAG and cholesterol 3h after intragastric instillation of the lipid load. No effect upon VLDL lipid was observed. In conclusion, carob molasses intake appeared to have a cardioprotective effects when taken on a regular basis or occasionally since it improves fasting and postprandial lipidemia and it can be used as an anti -constipation remedy without showing liver toxicity.