Biochemical and histological evaluation of kidney, liver, and hematological indices in normal Wistar rats administered dietary formulations of roasted Sphenotylis stenocarpa seeds (Af-rican yam bean)

Nene Hephzibah Chiaka-Onyemeze; Chinelo Chinenye Nkwocha; Affiong Asuquo Edeke; Emmanuel Chimeh Ezeako

doi:10.62313/ijpbp.2025.250

Authors

Nene Hephzibah Chiaka-Onyemeze University of Nigeria, Department of Biochemistry, Nsukka, 410001, Enugu, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1684-8973
Chinelo Chinenye Nkwocha University of Nigeria, Department of Biochemistry, Nsukka, 410001, Enugu, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7684-8441
Affiong Asuquo Edeke University of Nigeria, Department of Biochemistry, Nsukka, 410001, Enugu, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6299-5686
Emmanuel Chimeh Ezeako University of Nigeria, Department of Biochemistry, Nsukka, 410001, Enugu, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9675-8320

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62313/ijpbp.2025.250

Keywords:

Sphenostylis stenocarpa, Nephroprotective, Hepatoprotective, Antioxidant, Cardioprotective

Abstract

Sphenotylis stenocarpa seeds (African yam bean) represent one of the under-exploited nutrient-rich legumes associated with African folklore and disease-remedy claims, that have not been fully authenticated scientifically. The wellness enhancement effect of roasted pulverized S. stenocarpa (PROSS) diet formulations on liver, renal, and hematological indices was investigated. Rats were assigned randomly into five groups (n = 5). Group I received standard rat chow. Groups II-V received a diet of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% PROSS mixed with standard rat chow to make 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively. After a five-week regular feeding regimen, animals were humanly sacrificed, and biochemical and histological indices were determined. Groups administered various diet formulations of PROSS showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxide activity and a decrease (p < 0.05) in MDA level compared to normal control. Although serum creatinine, total protein, and potassium levels did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) across the groups, however, the chloride level increased significantly (p < 0.05), compared to the control. Furthermore, sodium ion level decreased at low doses (10% and 20% PROSS) (p < 0.05) but increased at higher doses (p < 0.05), while serum urea level decreased with an increase in dosage (p < 0.05). A significant increase in HDL level (p < 0.05) and a decrease in TAG, LDL, and VLDL levels (p < 0.05) were also recorded. Also, ALP, ALT, and AST activity in the serum decreased across the groups (p < 0.05), while RBC, WBC, Hb, and hematocrit (Ht) levels were elevated as the dose increased. Normal organ architectures were observed in all the groups. Our data suggest that moderate consumption of PROSS enhances hepatic and renal well-being.

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