Effects of Group B Soyasaponins and Soyasapogenol B on Plasma Cholesterol Levels in Golden Syrian Hamsters

Elevated blood cholesterol levels are associated with the development of heart disease. Group B soyasaponins have been suggested as a factor capable of decreasing plasma lipid concentrations. Soyasaponins are naturally occurring triterpenoids found in soybeans, and their sugars are cleaved from group B soyasaponins in the digestive tract leaving the aglycone form - soyasapogenol B. The objectives of this study are to determine cholesterollowering efficacy and bioavailability of soyasapogenol B and group B soyasaponins. Thirty six hamsters were assigned to one of three dietary treatment groups and fed for 4 weeks; 1) high fat control (HFC), 2) high fat diet with soyasapogenol B (SPG, 0.5 mmol/kg diet), and 3) high fat diet with group B soyasaponins (SSP, 1.5 mmol/kg diet). Compared to the HFC, SPG treatment was shown to decrease total cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels (P<0.05). Fecal bile acid excretion of SPG and SSP groups were greater than HFC (P<0.05). SSP group showed significant increased fecal neutral sterol excretion compared to the HFC and SPG (P<0.05). Hamsters in the SPG group showed a significantly greater bioavailability than the SSP group (P<0.05).