THE OXIDATIVE STRESS STATUS OF RATS FED ON OIL BEAN SEED MEAL

THE OXIDATIVE STRESS STATUS OF RATS FED ON OIL BEAN SEED MEAL

ABSTRACT

This study was on oxidative stress status of rat fed with Pentraclethra macrophylla, otherwise known as African oil bean seed oil in English or Ugba in Igbo. Sixteen male rats were distributed into four groups. 1 (control), then group 2, 3, and 4 as test groups. They were fed with their formulated meal (5%, 10%, 20% inclussions) for 28 days. Group 1 was the control and were fed with the normal feed, while group 2, 3 and 4 which were the test groups were fed with test feed formula.. The parameters determined were MDA concentrations and catalase activity. Serum MDA significantly increased (p<0.05) while the catalase activity significantly decreased (p<0.05). This finding may be clinically significant to individuals with predisposition to increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other degenerative diseases.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0. INTRODUCTION

Ugba also called ukpaka is a popular food delicacy in Nigeria especially among Igbo ethnic group. It is rich in protein and is obtained by a solid state fermentation of the seed of African oil bean tree (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth).

The natural fermentation of the seed which at present is still done at the house-hold level, renders the production nutritious, palatable and non-toxic (Enujiugha, 2002). Its production, like many African fermented foods depends, entirely on mixed fermentation by microorganism from diverse source.

Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth is a large woody plant abundant in the rain forest areas of west and central Africa. It’s origin in Nigeria is believed to be around 1937 (Ladipo, 1984); where it is found in the South Nigeria, (Mbajunwa et al., 1998).

Ugba  Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth belongs to the Family Leguminosae and sub-family Microsoideae (Keay, 1989 and NFTA, 1995).

Ugba seeds are irregular and oval; they are flat, black and hard pods. It is composed of oil, protein and small amounts of carbohydrate (Obeta, 1982).

1.1 AIM AND OBJECTIVES

1. To determine the concentration of Malondialdehyde (MDA, which indicates the peroxidation status) and
2. The activity of Catalase (a marker of antioxidant status) in the serum of rats fed graded doses of African oil bean seed meal

CHAPTER TWO

2.0. LITERATURE REVIEW

The oil bean seeds are obtained from the African oil bean tree (Pentaclethra macrophylla Bentham) a large perennial leguminous plant that grows to a height of 25m. The leaves are small and reddish when Young and but gradually turn to dark green (Enujiugha and Agbade, 2005).

The trees are planted along the sides of roads as shade trees and around communities as cash crops. The fruit is black, hard and woody pod measuring about 35-36cm long and 5-10cm broad. When mature it splits open explosively to release about eight diameters and weighing about 15-20grams (Keay et al., 1964; Odunfan, 1986).

The compound leaves are usually about 20-45cm long and covered with rusty hairs giving a scurfy effect particularly along the upper surface but this eventually falls off. There are 10-12 pairs of stout pinnae, the middle pairs are 7-13cm long and also have rusty hairs along the central grove. There are usually 12 – 15 pairs of opposite stalk less pinnules (leaflets) each 12 – 15cm long and 5 – 10mm broad, with the middle pairs longest. Leaflets often have a rounded tip but are sometimes notched, the base is unequal.

Flowers are creamy yellow or pinkish-white and sweat smelling, flowering commences at variable periods within West Africa. The main flowering season is between March to April with smaller flushes in June and November. Fruits are available at most periods of the year because the large woody pods are persistent. The pods are 40-50cm long and 5-10 wide. Fruits splits open explosively with the valves curling up. This is the form in which they appear on most trees, usually pods contain between 6-10 flat glossy brown seeds and are up to 7cm long. This is the edible product and sources of the oil, hence the name ―the oil bean tree (Aubre Ville, 1959).

The fermented seed is called UGBA by the Igbo’s in the eastern part of Nigeria while the Efiks in the southern Nigeria call it UKANA. It is consumed by an estimate of about 15 million people in the eastern part of Nigeria majority of who are Igbo’s (Odunfa and Oyeyola, 1985)

2.1 CLASSIFICATION OF OIL BEAN

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