P. 960568 - 960575The aim of this study was to investigate potential hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effects of Plantago ovata husk included in the
diet, in healthy and diabetic rabbits. We also examined the effects of this fiber in other biochemical parameters. Two groups of
18 rabbits were used.The first group was fed with standard chow and the second with chow supplemented with Plantago ovata
husk (3.5mg/kg/day). On day 14 diabetes mellitus was induced by the intravenous administration of alloxan (80mg/kg). After an
oral glucose load (3 g), glucose, insulin, and other biochemical parameters were determined on day 14 (healthy rabbits) and on day
28 (diabetic rabbits). In healthy rabbits, fiber did not modify glucose or insulin levels but decreased significantly total cholesterol,
LDL-cholesterol, atherogenic index, and glycosylated hemoglobin. In diabetic rabbits, fiber was more beneficial in mild diabetics
than in severe diabetics with significant decreases in glucose levels and increases in insulin concentrations. In these animals fiber
caused an important reduction in cholesterol, indicating a beneficial effect of Plantago ovata husk in diabetic rabbits. Although
further studies in patients are necessary, we think that Plantago ovata husk offers interesting perspectives to be administered to
patients with diabetes mellitus.S
