BACKGROUND

The effects of polished and dehulled Bacillus-fermented adlay on lipid metabolism, antioxidant status and intestinal microflora were examined in hyperlipidaemic hamsters fed a high-cholesterol diet.

RESULTS

Hamsters administered Bacillus-fermented adlay experienced significantly reduced (P < 0.05) serum and hepatic total cholesterol (by 37-43% and 42-49% respectively) and triglyceride (by 22-27% and 30-35% respectively) levels compared with the high-cholesterol group. Lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios in serum and increased cholesterol (by 47-52%) and triglyceride (by 40-47%) contents in faeces were also observed. Bacillus-fermented adlay lowered the levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, thus increasing total antioxidant and superoxide dismutase activities. In particular, polished Bacillus-fermented adlay had satisfactory antioxidant activity, similar to that of commercially available natto. Moreover, hamsters fed Bacillus-fermented adlay harboured greater populations of lactic acid bacteria, few coliforms and little Clostridium perfringens.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has shown that changes in lipid metabolism, antioxidant status and intestinal microflora can be greatly modulated by Bacillus-fermented adlay, suggesting potential novel approaches to the treatment of primary cardiovascular and intestinal diseases.