Comparative effects of <i>Zea mays</i> bran, <i>Telfairia occidentalis</i> and <i>Citrus sinensis</i> feeds on bowel transit rate, postprandial blood glucose and lipids profile in male wistar rats

Abstract

Comparative effects of Zea mays bran, Telfairia occidentalis, and Citrus sinensis feeds on bowel transit rate, postprandial blood glucose, and serum lipid profile levels were investigated in 20 male Wistar rats of average weight 160 ± 5 g. Proximate analysis and in-vitro total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the feeds were evaluated. The animals were randomly grouped into four (n=5) and fed with normal rats’ chow (control), Z. mays bran, T. occidentalis, and C. sinensis respectively for thirty days. Postprandial blood glucose, plasma lipids profile and bowel transit rate were evaluated. The ash and protein contents were significantly higher (p<0.05) in T. occidentalis, while Z. mays bran, T. occidentalis, and C. sinensis have high fibre relative to control feed. The TAC was higher in T. occidentalis followed by C. sinensis. Postprandial blood glucose was significantly reduced (p<0.05) in rats fed with Z. mays bran and T. occidentalis. Plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly reduced (p<0.05) in rats fed with Z. mays bran, T. occidentalis, and C. sinensis. Bowel transit rate was significantly increased (p<0.05) in the rats fed with Z. mays bran, T. occidentalis, and C. sinensis. The results obtained revealed that Zea mays bran may possess laxative activity than other feeds, while the hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic activities in the rats fed with the three feeds were similar.

Keywords: Telfairia occidentalis, Citrus sinensis, Zea mays bran, in-vitro antioxidant, Proximate analysis