Sorghum May Improve Cholesterol Fractions

LINCOLN, Neb.--Grain sorghum appears to reduce cholesterol absorption and improve cholesterol fractions, according to a new animal study that appears in the Journal of Nutrition (135:2236-2240, 2005). Scientists from the University of Nebraska fed different proportions (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 or 5.0 percent of the diet) of a lipid fraction grain sorghum extract to four groups of male hamsters for four weeks. The extract significantly reduced plasma non-HDL cholesterol concentrations in a dose dependent manner, with the group receiving 5.0 percent of the extract showing a 69-percent reduction compared with controls. Supplementation did not impact HDL cholesterol concentration. In addition, cholesterol absorption efficiency was significantly reduced by dietary treatment in a dose dependent manner that was correlated with the reduction in non-HDL cholesterol concentrations in plasma.

The extract was found to contain both plant sterols (0.35 g/100 g extract) and policosanols (8.0 g/100 g extract); sterols have been shown to reduce cholesterol absorption, while policosanol appears to inhibit the body's cholesterol production. The researchers concluded the components in sorghum extract may work synergistically to benefit plasma cholesterol fractions, and that these components could be used in foods and dietary supplements to manage cholesterol levels in humans.