Discovery Science Research Project
Buckwheat Protein and Cholesterol Absorption

Buckwheat field

The research and development department has begun an investigation of the hypocholesterolemic effects of buckwheat protein isolated from buckwheat flour.  Japanese researchers have previously shown that buckwheat protein has potent hypocholesterolemic activity in a hamster model. There are many ways that buckwheat may modify cholesterol in vivo, including modulation of cholesterol bioavailability. Absorption of cholesterol is dependent upon its solubility in lipid-rich aggregates called micelles. Micelles allow for an efficient presentation of cholesterol to the intestinal wall for absorption. The effect of buckwheat on this process was investigated in Caco-2 cells, a cultured cell line similar to human intestinal cells in the gut. By increasing the concentration of buckwheat protein present during micelle formation, the amount of cholesterol absorbed by the cells was decreased. Additionally, buckwheat protein was significantly more effective than other proteins, including casein, gelatin, and bovine serum albumin, at inhibiting absorption.

Buckwheat protein reduced uptake of cholesterol in Caco-2 human intestinal cells significantly more than other proteins.Caco-2 cells were exposed to cholesterol in the presence of 0.2% (weight/volume) buckwheat protein, bovine serum albumin, casein, or gelatin. Buckwheat protein significantly reduced cholesterol uptake by the Caco-2 cells, compared to other proteins.

Buckwheat protein reduced uptake of cholesterol in Caco-2 human intestinal cells in a dose-dependent manner.Caco-2 cells were exposed to cholesterol in the presence of increasing amounts of buckwheat protein. At concentrations of 0.1% (weight/volume) to 0.4%, the buckwheat protein significantly inhibited uptake of cholesterol by these human intestinal cells.