ABSTRACT

 This study was carried out to determine the hematological profile of diabetic rats fed graded concentrations of beet-root flour (Beta vulgaris) and feed combinations .Beetroot was harvested and processed into flour by drying and subsequent grinding. Twenty fiverats were divided into 5 groups of 5 rats each such that group 1 served as the normal control and contained normal rats. Groups 2-5 rats were made diabetic by a single intraperitoneal administration of Alloxan monohydrate (165mg/kg). While groups 3, 4 and 5 served as the treatment groups and were fed with beetroot and feed combinations at concentrations 10%, 20% and 40% respectively group 2 animals were given normal rat feed and served as the diabetic control group. Treatment lasted for 14 days following the confirmation of the development of diabetes mellitus via the determination of blood glucose levels. The result of anti-nutrient study of beetroot revealed the presence of Alkaloids (0 ..1 169%), Tannins (0.0862%), Flavonoids (0.0079%), Hydrocyanide (0.00031%) and Oxalates (0.00063%) while that of proximate analysis indicated the presence of moisture (11.85), ash content (12.71), crude fibre (5.4), crude protein (11.03), ether extract (1.19), NFE (57.80) and ME (2971.olKcal/gDm3.In the anti-diabetic and haematological studies, results obtained indicated no significant reduction in blood glucose levels in all diabetic rats following treatments with beetroot Q>0.05) when compared to the diabetic control group as all treated rats maintained high blood glucose levels through the period of treatment. The observed negative effect of diabetes mellitus on body weight was also not ameliorated by beetroot treatment; instead the treated rats in groups 3 and 4 recorded 5.19% and 9.57% weight loses while group 5 had slight weight gain (9.52%) which could not compare favourably with that of the normal rats (17.74%). The treated diabetic rats also had lower haemoglobin contents and PCV values when compared to the normal rats (), although with slightly raised RBC values attributable to dehydration. Other haematological parameters were not significantly affected. The results therefore could not justify the use of beetroot in the management of diabetes mellitus since its administration did not ameliorate the imbalances in glucose metabolism of diabetic rats and hence may not be used as such