Effects Of Cyperus Esculentus (Tigernut) Milk On Serum Protein, Haematological Indices And Antioxidant Enzymes In Wistar Rats
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Abstract
The effects of Cyperus esculentus milk on the hematological parameters and antioxidant enzymes of albino rats were studied. Cyperus esculentus milk was extracted from the fresh tuber. Twenty-one rats were divided into three groups of seven animals each. Test groups (1 and 2) were orally administered 0.5 and 1.0 ml/100g body weight of C. esculentus milk respectively for six (6) weeks, while the rats in the control group (3) were given only standard rat chow. Hematological parameters and antioxidant enzymes activities were estimated using standard methods. Results showed no significant decrease in total protein (p>0.05) compared to the control, but significant and dose-dependent decrease (p<0.05) in the globulin fraction. In hemoglobin (HGB), Red blood cells (RBC), Packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cells (WBC) and platelets there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the test and control. No significant changes in the activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were observed whereas a non-significant decrease (p > 0.05) in catalase activity was recorded. Since elevated levels of white blood cells are indicative of immunologic and allergic responses, results therefore may indicate the absence of allergic and undesirable effects in the use of C. esculentus milk, even in its raw form, at the administered concentrations and for the feeding duration. The findings are also of health, nutritional and industrial importance as Cyperus esculentus milk may serve as a good source of plant milk.
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