Safety evaluation of Dialium guineense fresh fruit pulp meal-based diet

Abstract

Toxicological investigation of plant species used as food/drug requires the examination of a wide array of assays including antioxidant parameters and tissues functional indices. This study investigated the safety of the fruit pulp of Dialium guineense in rats by assaying for liver and kidney antioxidant parameters as well as some selected functional indices.  Thirty-six rats were assigned into 6 groups, A – F and maintained on basal diet, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40% inclusion of Dialium guineense fruit pulp respectively for five weeks. The study revealed a non-significant difference (p > 0.05) in the antioxidant parameters except for catalase in which a significant decrease (p < 0.05) was observed at 30 and 40% in both tissues. For the aminotransferases, gamma glutamyl transferase, globulin, total and conjugated bilirubin as well as the five electrolytes (Na⁺, K ⁺, HCO₃^2-, PO₄^2- ,Cl^-)  assayed for, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed.   However, rats maintained on the diet at all supplementation levels had a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the total protein, albumin and urea level except for creatinine. The insignificant effects in most parameters suggest that the pulp might not interfere with normal functioning of the biomolecules at the percentage inclusions.