Blackgram fiber (Phaseolus mungo): mechanism of hypoglycemic action.

The effect of the administration of blackgram fiber (Phaseolus mungo) on the metabolism of carbohydrates was studied in rats fed 30% NDF (neutral detergent fiber) diet. The experimental group showed a significant increase in liver glycogen level and a significant decrease in blood glucose. Significant increases in the activities of glycogen phosphorylase, hexokinase, fructose-1, 6-diphosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase were observed in the experimental group. The activities of phosphoglucomutase and glucose-6-phosphatase were significantly lower in rats fed the fiber diet. The study showed that blackgram fiber exhibits significant hypoglycemic action in experimental animals.