The influence of Nata de Papaya supplementation on the lipid profile of rats with high-fat diet induction

Abstract

Diet-induced dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, driving the search for functional food-based interventions. Nata de Papaya, a fermented bacterial cellulose product, is a rich source of dietary fiber, but its lipid-lowering potential remains unexplored. A high-fat diet (HFD) was used to induce dyslipidemia in a rat model. The rats were subsequently treated for 2 weeks with varying doses of Nata de Papaya (NdP1: 0.54 g, NdP2: 1.08 g, NdP3: 1.62 g), compared against a positive (ezetimibe) and negative control. Serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low- (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) were measured and statistically analyzed. The HFD successfully induced dyslipidemia. Nata de Papaya supplementation, particularly the high-dose NdP3 group, significantly improved the lipid profile. Reductions in total cholesterol (5.81%), triglycerides (6.78%), and LDL (6.60%) were observed, alongside a significant increase in HDL (7.31%). The efficacy of the NdP3 intervention was statistically equivalent to the positive control drug (p > 0.05), demonstrating a clear dose-dependent response. The lipid-lowering effects are attributed to the soluble fiber in Nata de Papaya, which likely acts via bile acid sequestration and enhances LDL clearance. The results posit Nata de Papaya as a potent, natural alternative to pharmaceutical agents for managing dyslipidemia. Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm its efficacy and safety in humans.