Study on Biochemical Indices of Albino Rats Supplemented with Oil Extracted from Groundnut, Roselle Seed and Their Validated Blend

Introduction: Groundnut oil (GO) had been known as good source of oil if taken in desirable quantity, but roselle seed oil (RO) and its blends with GO has no documented literature on  its toxicity and safe levels of consumption on any animal models. Roselle as adjunct in groundnut milling would aid oil extraction.

Purpose: To determine the effects of GO, RO and the validated oil extracted from blend of groundnut with roselle seed oil (GRO) on some biochemical and histology of albino rats to establish their toxicities.

Methods:  Seven groups of seven albino rats weighing between 100 to 115 g were used the experiment. Group I was control and were fed 100% pelletized diet. Group II - IV and V - VII were fed with 7.5% and 15%  substituted GO, RO and GRO, respectively, for 28 days along with water ad libitum. Serum total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotranferases (AST), alanine aminotransferases (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, liver, kidney, heart and body weight and feed intake were determined.

Results:  The feed intake of all the groups were significantly different at P < 0.05 except for groups fed 7.5% substituted RO and 15% substituted GRO. Body weight change and growth rate  were not different except groups fed 15% substituted RO and 15% substituted GRO were significantly lower and higher to that of control, respectively. Organs weight, total protein, albumin and AST were not significantly different from the control. ALP and ALT were significantly lower and higher from the control, respectively. Histopathological examination showed inflammation and fatty deposit in the liver of the groups feed with 15% substituted level of oil.

Significance: These results indicate that the oils are safe for consumption at lower levels of substitution but higher levels substitution (15%) shows compromise in the organs.