Study on Biochemical Indices of Liver Function Tests of Albino Rats Supplemented with Three Sources of Vegetable Oils

Biochemical and histological analysis were conducted to determine the effects of palm oil, groundnut oil and coconut oil on the liver condition of albino rats. Thirty-two albino rats were divided into four groups of eight rats each and were fed with 90% rats chow supplemented with 10% of palm oil, coconut oil and groundnut oil for six weeks along with water ad libitum. Biochemical indices of liver function determined include serum total protein, albumin, conjugated and total bilirubin, aspartate aminotranferases (AST), alanine aminotransferases (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities. Liver weight, body weight, feed intake and faecal output were also determined. Results show increase in liver weight, serum total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, ALT (in rats fed with palm and groundnut oil-based diet), AST (in rats fed with coconut oil-based diet only) as well as ALP compared with control. Histopathological examination show mild inflammation of the liver. These results therefore, indicate a compromise in liver of rats administered 10% oil - based diet

Phytochemical, Proximate and Metal Content Analysis of the Leaves of Psidium guajava Linn (Myrtaceae)

Purpose: To investigate the phytochemicals and some other constituents of the powdered leaves of Psidium guajava Linn and to evaluate the tolerability profile of the leaves because of their profound medicinal and non-medicinal uses. Methods: The phytochemical analysis of Psidium guajava was carried out by using a standard procedure. Ash, fat, protein, carbohydrate and fibre contents were determined using proximate analysis while the metal contents were determined using Pearson’s method. Results: The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, glycosides, terpenoids, anthraquinones, tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids, the proximate analysis showed a low ash value of 2.80%, protein content 2.80%, fibre 2.70% and fat 1.80% but a relatively high content of carbohydrate 88.90%. The metal content analysis revealed the presence of seven metals Calcium 1.34 mg/kg, Magnesium 0.64 mg/kg, Potassium 0.76 mg/kg, Sodium 0.05 mg/kg, Iron 16.18 mg/kg, at concentrations below the tolerable upper intake level except for Manganese 29.23 mg/kg and Zinc 56.49 mg/kg Conclusion: The powdered leaves of Psidium guajava contain more of organic components and levels of manganese and zinc is above the tolerable upper intake established by the overseeing body.Keywords: Psidium guajava, Toxicity, Screening, Tolerability, Leave

Biochemical evaluation of the effect of Sudan IV dye on liver function

The effect of Sudan IV (Scarlet red or Solvent red 24) dye on liver integrity was investigated. Parameters studied include weight gain, feed intake, faecal output, albumin content, total protein, direct and total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST & ALT respectively) activities. Thirty- two albino rats (Wistar strain)were divided into 4 groups of 8 rats each. All the groups were fed 90% rats mash supplemented with 10% palm oil. Sudan IV was  co-administered with the diet to provide levels of 0, (PO), 0.005% (PO/0.005), 0.01% (PO/0.01) and 0.015% (PO/0.015). The animals were given these diets for six weeks along with water ad libitum. Results showed no significant (P<0.05) weightgain associated with test rats compared with the control, although feed intake was significantly reduced in those rats administered the dye. ALT and AST activities as well as protein, albumin, conjugated and total bilirubin concentrations were significantly increased in a dose - dependentmanner. Histopathological analysis revealed fibrosis in the liver of test rats. These results show a compromise in liver integrity of the experimental animals.Key words: Sudan IV, liver integrity, aminotransferases, protein, bilirubin

Haematological Indices, Blood glucose levels and lipid profile of rats administered Tartrazine E102

This work was done as a part of safety assessment to determine the effects of Tartrazine E102 on some haematological indices, glucose levels and blood lipid profile in rats. An animal model was used as a basis for interpreting the situation in humans. Consequently, 40 albino rats were divided into 5 groups of 8 rats each. All the animals were fed rats’ mash and water and administered 0, 10, 20, 40 and 80mg/kg body weight of Tartrazine E102 respectively. Weekly measurements of body weight were recorded. Results obtained showed a significant reduction in body weight gain and blood glucose levels compared with the control. A non-dose dependent effect was observed on total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, total white blood cells and monocytes. A slight but significant increase was observed in haematocrit at the highest dose levels. Conclusively, Tartrazine E102 exhibited a hypoglycemic effect in rats, no negative effect was observed on lipid profile.KEY WORDS: Tartrazine E102; glucose; haematological; cholesterol; triacylglycero

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.)

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is an ancient tree species belonging to the Order Ranales and Family Lauraceae. At present, the demand for avocado is growing rapidly due to its high nutritional value and reported health benefits. Much of this demand is centred on only a few cultivated varieties despite there being vast genetic diversity in the species. Preservation of germplasm is a proactive approach to address future breeding needs and to safeguard the diversity of cultivated crops including avocado. Present conservation strategies for Avocado (Persea spp.) solely rely on field collections, as seeds are highly heterozygous and recalcitrant to long-term storage. However, these field banks are constantly exposed to abiotic and biotic stresses. Moreover, the size of the gene pool, number of replications and quality of maintenance are restrained by the local environmental conditions, space and funding. In this chapter we present a protocol for cryopreservation of avocado somatic embryos as an alternative to field banks for long-term storage of germplasm. The protocol describes all stages of a vitrification-based cryopreservation and regeneration technique including induction, maintenance, maturation, cryo-treatment and germination of somatic embryos. This in vitro regeneration and storage system for avocado will impose low risk and is a space efficient conservation method that will be beneficial for future improvement of this invaluable horticultural crop