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Influence of Chrysophyllum albidum Seed Endosperm Extract on Hematologic, Hepatic, Nephrotic and Histologic Alterations in Monosodium Glutamate-Compromised Rats


A.C.C. Egbuonu
P.O. Alaebo
C.J. Njoku
P. Ugwu
G.C. Njoku
C.I. Anoliefo
I.J. Obidike
E.E. Uba

Abstract

To minimize its waste burden, underutilized Chrysophyllum albidum (C. albidum) seed could be exploited as a plant-based pharmafood together with widely used but potentially toxic food flavouring, monosodium glutamate (MSG). This study was designed to ascertain the influence of C. albidum seed endosperm extract (CASEE), on the hematologic, hepatic, nephrotic and histologic alterations in MSG-compromised rats. Adult male albino rats (120-160 g) were randomly allotted to six groups of 10 rats each. Group 1 rats received normal saline (1 ml), Group 2 received CASEE (200 mg/kg), Group 3 received MSG (8000 mg/kg), while groups 4, 5 and 6 rats in addition respectively received 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg of CASEE. Exposure was orally and daily for 14 days. Results revealed significant (P < 0.05) alterations in the hematologic, hepatic, nephrotic and histologic parameters in MSG-treated rats compared to others. CASEE (200 mg/kg)-fed rats had comparable effect as the control and caused significant (P < 0.05) but selective dose dependent reduction in MSG effect. This study demonstrated that CASEE (200 mg/kg) improved but MSG (800 mg/kg) compromised the rats’ hematologic, hepatic, nephrotic and histologic integrity. CASEE reduced the MSG effect in the rats via probable concerted mechanism leading to beneficial response on the rats’ hematology, liver and kidney functions and histology. The dietary and pharmacologic prospects of the results in rats warrant further studies to elucidate the structure of the responsible bioactive compound(s) and confirm the suggested probable mechanism (s) of action.


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