Soybean glycinin (11S) increases HDL‐cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic rats

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the effects of isolated soy glycinin (11S) on lipid metabolism in animals subjected to a hypercholesterolemic diet.Design/methodology/approachMale Wistar rats were kept in individual cages under appropriate conditions. The animals were divided into three groups (n=9): normal diet (STD) given a diet containing casein as protein source, recommended in AIN‐93M; hypercholesterolemic (HC) fed a normal diet with 1 per cent cholesterol and 0.5 per cent cholic acid; and hypercholesterolemic+glycinin (HC+11S), fed a hypercholesterolemic diet, plus 11S soy protein (300 mg/kg/day), dissolved in saline and administered by gavage. After 28 days, the animals were sacrificed and blood and liver removed for biochemical analysis of total cholesterol (TC), HDL‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) and triglycerides (TG) in the plasma, hepatic TC and TG.FindingsA single daily dose of glycinin given to the hypercholesterolemic group demonstrated its functional role, particularly in raising HDL‐C and reducing triglycerides in the liver.Originality/valueThis study demonstrates the action of the 11S globulin in soybean as a serum lipid lowering agent, in addition to its nutritional properties, especially in raising the HDL‐C.