Carob Tannins — Growth Depression and Levels of Insoluble Nitrogen in the Digestive Tract of Rats

Abstract

Polyphenol fractions were prepared from ripe and green carobs and fed to growing rats. The significant growth depression observed in rats fed green carobs and the ethyl acetate-soluble polyphenols is attributed primarily to a decreased in feed consumption. Ripe carobs did not affect growth significantly, but the tannins isolated from ripe and, to a lesser extent, green carobs were responsible for a growth depression which was probably caused by protein binding. An increased nitrogen content was observed in the feces and the digestive tract of all groups fed the experimental diets. This increase was shown to be due to an insoluble nitrogen fraction, the amount of which corresponded to the degree of growth depression. The activity of digestive enzymes in the cecum, particularly proteolytic, was greatly increased by all the experimental diets.