ABSTRACT

The study investigated the nutraceutical properties of Terminalia calappa endocarp flour and some biochemical influences of the ethanol extract on monosodium glutamate- intoxicate wistar rats. Proximate results show the presence of fiber (36.3±0.18%), carbohydrates (30.85±0.71%), ash (11.03±0.25%); phytochemicals include flavonoids (1,80±0.78g/l 00g) saponins (6.39±0.13g/ 100g), alkaloids (3.27±0.27g/100g), anthocyanin (1.50±0.49g/100g), steroids (0.89±0.00g/100g) and cyanogenic glycosides (0.04±0.00g/100g), while antinutrients include phytates (1.24±0.03g/100g), oxalates (0.28±0.00g/100g), phenol (0.07±0.00g/100g). The studied vitamins in the sample flour include ascorbic acid (14.58±0.09mg/100g), retinol (21500±0.00IU), niacin (2.52±0.09mg/100g), thiamine (0.35±0.01mg/100g), riboflavin (0.09±0.01mg/100g), potassium (326.32±0.18mg/100g), calcium (220.19±0.19mg/100g), magnesium (43.66±0.06mg/100g), phosphorus (41.87±0.99mg/100g) and sodium (16.75±0.13mg/100g). These results revealed that the endocarp flour of Terminalia calappa is relatively rich in minerals and vitamins. Hence, could serve as nutraceutical, providing medical or health benefits including prevention and/or treatment of a disease and as such, could serve as supplements. Evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl, 1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) showed that at 200mg/ml, the inhibition of DPPH radical by the ethanol extract of Terminalia calappa endocarp flour (68.34%) was higher compared to that of the standard (ascorbic acid) (58.83%). Twenty four (24) male wistar rats with mean weight of 120.61 ± 15.15g were divided into six groups (n=4). Group 1, the normal control group (received distilled water), group II, the negative control (received 8mg MSG/g b.w), group III, the extract control (received 300mg/kg extract), group IV received 8mg MSG/g b.w + lOOmg extract/kg b.w, group V received 8mg MSG/g b.w +300mg extract /kg. b.w. and group VI received 8mg MSG/g. b.w +500mg extract/kg. b.w daily by oral gavage for 14 days. Results of the present study revealed a significantly (p<0.05) higher serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase activity in the monosodium glutamate-intoxicated rats, and apparent ameliorative potential of Terminalia catappa endocarp flour extract on these parameters. There was a significantly (p<0.05) higher serum urea concentration in rats exposed to MSG compared to other groups suggesting an apparent interference with normal kidney functions. The significantly (p<0.05) lower serum urea concentrations observed for co- treated groups (III and V) compared to the MSG treated (group II) implies possible ameliorative effect ofthe extract at the extract at the tested concentrations. The significantly (p<0.05) higher white blood cell in group IV rats compared to that in the MSG- treated group and may suggest the potential of Terminalia catappa extract to stimulate the immune system. A significantly (p<0.05) lowered SOD activity in the MSG-treated rats as compared to the normal control confirms MSG-induccd oxidative stress in the MSG-treated rats. Histological examination of liver and kidney sections of the MSG-treated rats showed varying degrees of hepatocellular necrosis, and glomerular destruction respectively. In conclusion, the study suggests that daily oral treatment of male rats with MSG could possibly impair physiological functions as evidenced in the significant alterations in the serum biochemistry and liver histology. Exposure of MSG-intoxicated rats to Terminalia catappa endocarp extract alone had ameliorative effect. Co-administration of MSG with varying concentrations of the extract attenuated MSG-induccd toxicity in rats.